The UK’s most famous University rugby rivalry will once again be ignited at Twickenham Stadium, as Oxford and Cambridge meet in their fabled Varsity Match. Taking place on March 25th, the home of English rugby will host the two teams of scholars, who in the passed have featured some notable players.
First taking place in 1872, the two sides have met an astounding 139 times since. Only cancelling fixtures following the First and Second World Wars, and the Covid-19 pandemic, the match has been a hallmark of both universities’ heritage. Cambridge narrowly lead the all-time meetings, with 64 wins to Oxford’s 62, and with 14 matches being played to a draw. Here are 10 famous rugby players who have featured in the famous fixture.
Oxford University
Andrew Aitkin
Position: Loose Forward
National Team: South Africa (1997/98) 7 Caps / Scotland 7s (1994): 1 Cap
Clubs: Western Province (1991-98) / Stormers (1998-99)
Simon Danielli
Position: Wing
National Team: Scotland (2003-11) 32 Caps
Clubs: Bristol Rugby (1999-01) / Bath Rugby (2001-04) / Border Rivers (2004-07) / Ulster (2007-12)
Anton Oliver
Position: Hooker
National Team: New Zealand (1996-07) 59 Caps
Clubs: Otago (1994-07 – Provincial) / Highlanders (1996-07 – Super Rugby)
Joe Roff
Position: Wing / Fullback
National Team: Australia (1996-04) 86 caps
Clubs: Brumbies (1994-04) / Kubota Spears (2005-06)
Andrew Durutalo
Position: Flanker
National Team: USA (2012 – 2018)
Club: Ealing Trailfinders (2017-18 & 2018-20) / Worcester Warriors (2017-18) / Seattle Seawolves (2020+)
University of Cambridge
Jamie Roberts
Position: Centre
National Team: Wales (2008-17) 94 Caps / British & Irish Lions (2009 & 2013)
Clubs: Cardiff RFC (2005-07) / Cardiff Blues (2007-13) / Racing Metro (2013-15) / Harlequins (2015-18) / Bath (2018/20) / Stormers (2020) / Dragons (2020-21) / New South Wales Waratahs (2022)
James Horwill
Position: Lock
National Team: Australia (2007-16) 62 Caps
Clubs: Ballymore Tornadoes (2007 – Provincial) / Brisbane City (2014-15 – Provincial) / Queensland Reds (2006-15 – Super Rugby) / Harlequins (2015-19).
Flip van der Merwe
Position: Lock
National Team: South Africa (2010-15) 36 caps
Clubs: Cheetahs (2006-09) / Bulls (2009-15) / Clermont (2015-19)
Rob Andrew
Position: Fly Half
National Team: England (1985-97) 71 caps / British & Irish Lion (1989 & 1993)
Clubs: Nottingham (1985-86) / Wasps (1987-81 & 1992-95) / Toulouse (1991-92) / Newcastle Falcons (1995-99)
David Akinluyi
Position: Wing
National Team: England 7s (2009-10) / Nigeria (2011+)
Clubs: Northampton Saints (2006-07) / Old Olavians RFC (2007-09) / Birmingham & Solihull Bees (2009-10) Help for Heroes Rugby Squad (2010+)
