Welsh Varsity

Welsh Varsity
Wednesday 24th April 2024

We're so excited to announce that the Welsh Varsity tournament is back on the 24th of April and this year Team Cardiff will be travelling to Swansea. Get ready to cheer on our teams as they battle it out against Swansea University in over 30 sports including both the Men’s and Women’s Rugby matches at the Swansea.com Stadium.
CARDIFF
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SWANSEA
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Sport Date/Time Venue Results
History of Welsh Varsity
Welsh Varsity started out 25 years ago as a rugby match between Cardiff University students and Swansea University students. Today it's so much more than that.
In recent years the match has been played at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Swansea.com Stadium in Swansea, with live coverage on S4C. Past student players have gone on to play for the Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Llanelli Scarlets and even internationally for Wales so expect a high standard on the field.
All the festival vibes
Not an avid sports fan? Welsh Varsity is a great day out even if you don't know your shuttlecocks from your wickets. There's an amazing atmosphere on the day as thousands of students cheer on different teams so don't let a lack of sporting knowledge put you off.
Proud to support
Rainbow Laces
In 2015, Welsh Varsity sports teams laced up for the first time and showed their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign. The campaign was launched by Stonewall with the aim of ridding sport of homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through getting players, clubs and fans to stand together and send out a message that it has no place in sport today. Sadly, discrimination remains a huge problem in many sports. Fear of abuse and discrimination excludes lesbian, gay, bi or trans people and puts them off taking part, or even watching sport.
Sport plays a huge part in university life for a great number of students all over the UK. It provides extra-curricular activity as a break from studies; not only having health and fitness benefits but also providing a great opportunity to meet and make new friends. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ students feel excluded or uncomfortable participating because of factors including the culture, structure and physical environment in which sport takes place.
Oddballs Foundation
In 2024, Cardiff Students’ Union is partnering with the Oddballs Foundation to raise awareness of testicular cancer. The official Welsh Varsity t-shirts worn by supporters will feature the Oddballs Foundation logo to spread the word about this important cause.
The OddBalls Foundation was founded in December 2015 and through their work they hope to make a difference to male health around the world.

Buy Tickets

Buy Tickets

Welsh Varsity packages and YOLO Varsity Special tickets sold out in record time this year and are no longer available to buy. Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket, we can’t wait to cheer on Team Cardiff with you in April.

If you have any questions, please click on our Travel & Location and Key Info pages where we’ve answered your frequently asked questions.

Collecting your ticket package

You will be able to collect your tickets, t-shirt and transport wristbands after the Easter break (week commencing 15th April). We will email ticket holder with full details closer to the time. You will need to show your student ID to collect.

Buy Tickets

Travel & Location

Travel & Location

Travel info for ticket holders and locations of sporting venues for fixtures.
Travel
Buses are provided to transport all ticket holders from Cardiff > Swansea > Cardiff.
When you buy a Festival Package, you will select your travel time at the point of purchase. Make sure you check the fixture times before buying.
Departure from Cardiff: Buses will depart from outside the Students’ Union building on Senghennydd Road. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Transfer from Sketty Lane to the Swansea.com Stadium: You will be allocated a travel time from the day games at Sketty Lane to the Swansea.com Stadium. Please arrive at the bus stop 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time from Sketty Lane to the Stadium.
The earlier you arrive at the Bay Sports Park in the morning, the earlier your allocated bus will be to the Swansea.com Stadium in the afternoon. You can see this in the table below. Please ensure you consider this when purchasing your ticket.
Departure from the SU  Swansea Bay Sports Park to Swansea.com Shuttle
07:00 – 07:30 14:30 - 15:15 Arrive in time for K.O of the Ladies' Rugby fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium.
07:30 – 08:00
08:00 – 08:30 15:15 - 16:00 Arrive in time to see majority of the Ladies' Rugby fixture at Swansea.com.
08:30 – 09:00
09:00 – 09:30 16:00 - 16:45 Arrive in time to see the Ladies' Rugby victory and trophy presentation at the Swansea.com Stadium.
09:30 – 10:00
10:00 – 10:30 16:45 - 17:30 Arrive in time for K.O of the Men's Rugby fixture at Swansea.com Stadium.
10:30 – 11:00
Departure from Cardiff to the Swansea.com Stadium (Stadium Package): Buses for any Stadium Package ticket holders will depart from the SU from 14:00 - times to be confirmed. These buses will take ticket holders from Cardiff directly to the Swansea.com Stadium, arriving in time for the K.O of the Ladies Rugby Fixture.
Departure from the Swansea.com Stadium to Cardiff: You can get on any bus to return to Cardiff after the Men’s Rugby match. Buses will depart from the car park at the Swansea.com Stadium, please make your way there at the end of the match.
Locations
See the locations where fixtures will be played in Swansea.

Key Info

Key Information

All general information and FAQs

Key ticket information
  1. TICKET RESTRICTIONS: Only one ticket can be purchased per person. You must be an AU member with a paid active membership to purchase during the AU pre-sale. Only one ticket can be purchased per student, limited to current registered students at Cardiff University.
  2. NON-REFUNDABLE: All tickets purchased are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for any reason. Please ensure you read and understand what is included in the various ticket packages before you purchase.
  3. BUS TIMINGS: Once you have selected your preferred bus time it will not be able to be altered (please make certain you are sure at the time of selecting).
  4. LOST TICKETS: Tickets and/or wristbands lost, misplaced or damaged cannot be replaced. Wristbands must be worn and intact with no damage.
  5. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Entry to all events is subject to venue terms and conditions. Each venue is entitled to refuse entry or eject ticket holders to facilitate a safe event. You must be over the age of 18, a UK driving license or valid passport will be accepted as proof of age.
  6. BEHAVIOUR: By purchasing a ticket, you are agreeing to behave in line with the student behaviour policy whilst at the event, please see full behaviour expectations below. If you are deemed to be drunk, we reserve the right to refuse entry to any/all venues.
  7. T-SHIRTS: Varsity t-shirt sizes will be provided on a first come first served basis.
  8. TRAVEL: Spectators wishing to enter the Welsh Varsity event at the Swansea Bay Sports Park at Swansea University, must travel on Varsity buses from Cardiff. Spectators making their own way to the venue will not be permitted access to this venue.
  9. COLLECTION: Once you have purchased your chosen package you will receive a confirmation email. You will then receive additional information about how to collect your ticket closer to the event.
  10. YOLO AFTER PARTY: Tickets are sold separately and will be limited. You will need to purchase a Varsity package to be eligible to purchase an after party ticket. Please refer to our general ticketing terms for more informational specific to nighttime activity and nightclub entry.
Behaviour & Security
  • In purchasing a Welsh Varsity ticket, you acknowledge the rules regarding behaviour and conduct. You are representing Cardiff University and Cardiff Students’ Union, as such any breach of these rules may result in you being asked to leave the event and your ticket for any proceeding event being confiscated.
  • Behaviour that contravenes the standards set out in the Student Behaviour Procedure will be reported to the University and investigated under complaint and disciplinary procedures. This can have serious consequences to your education or future career as well as your ongoing participation is sporting or social activity with the Students’ Union.
  • Please drink responsibly throughout the Welsh Varsity event, alcohol will not be permitted in certain sports venues.
  • If you are drunk you will not be served and may be refused entry to licenced or event premises on the day.
  • Remember, alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to impaired judgement which means you are more likely to take risks and get into trouble.
  • Welsh Varsity and associated venues reserve the right to refuse entry of any patrons that act in a way such to damage the reputation and/or Premises License conditions of the Students' Union.
  • The venues are likely to conduct security searches to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
  • The use of fireworks, flares or other pyrotechnics at any sporting venue is strictly forbidden. South Wales Police will seek to prosecute individuals using or seeking to bring such items into the event.
  • Please respect other visitors and members of the public at Welsh Varsity. Follow the directions of stewards at the event.
Ticket collection information
  • Ticket collection will take place in the Students’ Union building in Cathays, 2nd floor.
  • Ticket collection dates:
  • Monday 15th 10:00-19:00: priority collection for AU members.
  • Tuesday 16th April 10:00 – 19:00: All students
  • Wednesday 17th April 10:00 – 16:00 All students
  • All tickets to Cardiff Students’ Union events are non-transferable, whilst we do not advise the resale of Varsity tickets, we accept no responsibility for the action you take with your ticket.
  • Please note, that ticket holders will need to collect the tickets in person. You will need to bring your student card and email confirmation with QR code to collect your ticket. You will be emailed with more information on ticket collection closer to the time.
  • Any inappropriate behaviour or conduct directed towards ticketing staff at the point of collection will not be tolerated and could result in your ticket being invalidated with no refund provided.
  • It is your responsibly to ensure that your ticket is collected during this period. We cannot guarantee that beyond this date we will be able to distribute tickets – but we will try our hardest to accommodate those who cannot attend during this time.
  • Tickets should be counted upon collection and checked that the full quantity expected have been received. Any mistakes realised after the point of collection cannot be rectified.
  • If someone is collecting your package on your behalf, they will need your student number and a copy of the email confirmation, showing the QR code.
  • Those collecting tickets on behalf of others accept full responsibility for their loss.
  • For collection purposes, please ensure you have your student card and the student numbers for any packages purchased if collecting for more than one person. You will also need the email confirmation showing the QR code for any packages you are collecting. You WILL NOT be able to collect using the email confirmation you received at point of purchase.
  • Tickets and/or wristbands lost, misplaced, or damaged cannot be replaced.
  • T-shirts will be allocated on a first come, first served basis at the point of collection and we cannot guarantee your preferred t-shirt size will be available.

FAQs

TICKETS
What ticket packages are available?
Varsity Festival Package
includes transport to and from Swansea, entry to Swansea Bay Sports Park for the daytime fixtures, a ticket to the Women's and Men’s Rugby matches in the Swansea.com Stadium and an official Welsh Varsity t-shirt.
£32.50 + £2 booking fee.
Varsity Rugby Package
includes transport to and from the Swansea.com Stadium, a ticket to the Women’s and Men’s Rugby matches and an official Welsh Varsity t-shirt.
£22.50 + £2 booking fee.
Can I get a refund?
No, tickets are non- refundable. Contact customer service if you have any questions at SUCustomerService@Cardiff.ac.uk.
What do I do if I have lost my wristband or stadium ticket?
Unfortunately, we are unable to reissue tickets or wristbands as stated in our terms and conditions.
Can a competitors family members attend their specific event/fixture?
Further information on how to purchase a competitors family members ticket will be released at a later date.
AFTER PARTY
Are the Official Afterparty YOLO tickets included in the Varsity tickets?
No – Tickets to the official Afterparty are available to purchase separately. You must have purchased a Welsh Varsity 2024 ticket to purchase an Afterparty ticket.
Can I buy an After Party ticket if I’m not going to the Welsh Varsity event at in Swansea?
No, After Party access is only available to students that have purchased a Varsity package. There is a set capacity for the After Party so once tickets are sold out we won’t be able to release any more.
Will there be tickets on the door for the official afterparty?
There will be no tickets available on the door.
TICKET COLLETION INFORMATION
How do I collect my ticket?

Collection dates are:

15th April 10:00-19:00: priority collection for AU members.

16th April: 10:00 – 19:00: All students.

17th April: 10:00 – 16:00 All students.

Where: 2nd Floor of Cardiff Students’ Union, Park Place.

I am unable to collect my ticket on the dates listed, what can I do?

We cannot give out tickets before the collection date, but we will try and accommodate an alternative date for you to collect your ticket.

Please keep an eye on your emails for further information.

Alternatively, you can ask a friend to collect your ticket on your behalf. Please see ‘can someone else collect my ticket’ section.

What do I need to bring to the collection point?

Please bring the following:

  • Your student card
  • Email confirmation, with the QR code visible
Can someone else collect my ticket?

Those collecting on behalf of others accept full responsibility for their loss. You must have the student number and QR code of all tickets you are collecting.

Unfortunately, you are unable to collect the YOLO Varsity Special wristband on behalf of someone else.

When do I collect the YOLO Varsity Special wristband from?

Yolo Varsity wristbands can be collected at the same point as the Varsity tickets. Please ensure you have your student card and email confirmation, with QR code to collect your tickets.

Can I collect the YOLO Varsity special wristband on behalf of a friend?

No, you must collect your afterparty wristband yourself with your student card and email confirmation.

I have lost/damaged my wristband/ticket what should I do?

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer replacements or refunds for any lost or damaged tickets. It is up to you to ensure you have collected the correct number of wristbands/tickets at the point of collection and ensure you keep them safe. Without a wristband, you will be unable to enter.

Will I be able to sit with my friends?

Tickets for the rugby game at the stadium feature allocated seating. This means that if you want to sit with your friends, you will need to collect your packages at the same time. If you can’t all make it to the Students’ Union at the same time, don’t worry, you will be able to send one person to collect all the packages.

When do we collect our t-shirts?
You will collect your t-shirts on the same day as your tickets. A range of sizes will be available on a first come first served basis.
I am a member of an AU club and would like to sit with my club
Please let collection staff know at the point of collection, we have a limited number of tickets allocated for clubs to sit together
There is an AU priority collection day on Monday 15th April, if you are an AU member we would advise you to collect during this time to avoid disappointment.
ON THE DAY
Can we take alcohol to the day games?
Bag searches and security will be in place across multiple venues. All venues are licensed sites so only alcohol purchased on the premises can be consumed. There will be food and drink available all day at student friendly prices.
Can I take food with me for the day?
Yes, food may be taken into the event and refreshments will be available throughout the day at student friendly prices on site at Swansea Bay Sports Park and the Swansea.com stadium. Please be aware however, that items such as, glass containers, metal cutlery or other items that could cause injury will not be permitted to be brought into the site.
OTHER
What other events are going on?
Visit welshvarsity.com to see a full list of fixtures – please note these may be subject to change as the event gets closer, we recommend checking regularly for the latest info.
What ID does the Students’ Union accept?
Valid passport or valid driver’s license ONLY.
Is there a hashtag? What’s happening on social media?
Yes, we’re using #TeamCardiff on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Get the latest scores and updates from @CardiffStudents. You can also follow #WelshVarsity and @WelshVarsity on Twitter.
Does my ticket cover other Varsity fixtures that are happening on other days apart from Wednesday 24th April?
Yes, you can attend the other fixtures that are happening. If you would like to go along to support, please speak to the club committee who will liaise with the Athletic Union team.
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