The WRU has extended its agreement with Welsh Varsity to host the 2014 clash at the Millennium Stadium for the fourth successive season.
The annual rugby showdown between Cardiff and Swansea’s university teams has attracted a record 50,000 crowd since the event first relocated to Cardiff’s iconic rugby venue in 2011.
And this year’s grudge match promises to be the most exciting yet as reigning champions Swansea, bolstered by up to five Wales Under 20 players, go for a third consecutive victory over their Cardiff rivals.
Wales U20 captain Steff Hughes and fellow squad members Connor Lloyd and Nicky Thomas were all involved in Swansea University’s victory last season and should be available for selection along with Josh Helps and Rory Thornton.
Now in its 18th season, the Welsh Varsity is set to showcase more young internationals than ever before – following in the footsteps of a number of Wales’ rugby elite including Wales and British & Irish Lions stars Alun Wyn Jones and Jamie Roberts.
WRU Rugby Partnership Manager Adrian Evans said: “There is an unprecedented number of young international players in the 2014 Welsh Varsity squads which is a great reflection on the growing relationships that have been built with the Universities and education establishments in Wales. It is entirely fitting that our future stars of the game will be on show at the home of Welsh rugby.
“We see Welsh Universities and colleges as a vital cog in the player pathway in Wales, both in terms of identifying and developing elite talent, and in increasing and maintaining important participation numbers in the club game.”
Former Wales international and Swansea University 1st XV member Paul Thorburn last season swapped his green and white colours for a neutral position as Chairman of Welsh Varsity.
He is expecting this season’s Millennium Stadium extravaganza to attract more welsh rugby fans as well as the students and alumni that flock to the event year on year.
“The Varsity match between Wales’ two great rugby institutions has developed into a must-see occasion which now attracts close to 20,000 spectators. It’s one for all rugby lovers, not only because of the carnival atmosphere, but also because of the style and manner in which the game is played.”
Welsh Varsity has grown year on year since it began in 1997 and matches were held alternatively at Cardiff Arms Park and Swansea’s St Helens.
The match has been played on neutral ground since 2003, at Bridgend’s Brewery Field, Swansea’s Liberty Stadium and the Millennium Stadium.
Millennium Stadium Manager Mark Williams is looking forward to adding yet another great rugby occasion to the events calendar post-Six Nations. He said:
“The 2014 Welsh Varsity is yet another fantastic rugby event to whet the appetite of Welsh rugby supporters before Judgement Day, Swalec Finals Day and the Heineken Cup Final when this season’s RBS 6 Nations comes to a close.
“The Varsity launch has been met with great hype among the students and with a record number of young Welsh players among the University squads the event has the potential to attract more rugby supporters than ever before.”
For more information and access to tickets, visit the official Welsh Varsity website: welshvarsity.com.
