Dundee’s two universities battle for Varsity 2026 cup

Current holders of the Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy, the University of Dundee, will take on Abertay University on Wednesday 25 March.

More than 600 students will face-off in 28 sporting events at various venues across the city, with many more joining the crowds in support.

Spectators armed with foam fingers, signs, and red or blue t-shirts will be encouraged to cheer on their team – and everyone is welcome from current and former students to members of the public.

Sporting events include football, rugby, athletics, swimming, basketball, netball, volleyball, hockey, tennis, badminton, archery and pool.

And for the first time in several years, fencing has returned to the Varsity programme – the biggest amateur sporting event in the city’s calendar.

Dance and cheerleading performances will also take place and there will be music, pizza, bake sales and face painting. The day will be topped off with the winners lifting the trophy.

Rory La Trobe, the University of Dundee’s Sports Union President, said, “We are all really looking forward to Varsity this year. It's always such a great event in the sporting calendar that everyone can enjoy.

“It’s as fun for the spectators as it is for the participants, which is one of the reasons it is so great. My fingers are crossed for sunshine and for Dundee to bring home the trophy again.”

Michael Devlin, Sports Development Officer at Abertay University, said, “Varsity is the highlight of the sporting calendar, the single biggest one-day sporting event in Dundee.

“It’s not only an opportunity for our teams to take to the field for the last time this season, it’s also an opportunity for students and fans to get down and support their uni's.

“Our backs are up against the wall but the Abertay students always take pride in pulling on their jersey and representing our University.”

For more information on event timings, see the University of Dundee Sports Union's Instagram or Abertay University Sports Union's Instagram.