SCOTLAND’s two most historic Universities will take an age old rivalry to London on St Andrews Day this year, when they meet for the Inaugural Scottish Varsity game.
A crowd predicted into the thousands is expected to turn out at 8pm on November 30, 2011; when University of St Andrews RFC and Edinburgh University RFC will play each other in a contest that dates back more than 150 years, and which predates theOxfordvs. Cambridge Varsity game played at Twickenham.
Hosted by London Scottish FC in West London, all alumni, supporters, friends, and family are welcome to attend.
Director of Rugby at St Andrews David Ross said: “This event shows the vision and professional attitude that both rugby programs are delivering in their Universities and the potential to make this event one of the major rugby dates in the calendar is huge.
“The game is free to attend and both teams play an entertaining style of rugby, so grab your friends, your former class mates or former rivals and get down to Richmond to watch the game.”
Rivalry
For alumni living in the South East of England in particular the game provides a great opportunity to celebrate St Andrews Day and have the chance to cheer on their old University’s current rugby squad against their ‘arch’ enemies.
The match epitomises the age-old rivalry between St Andrews and Edinburgh Universities and at the same time illustrates the continuing vitality and spirit of amateur rugby.
Both universities are leading the way in Scottish Rugby by each employing full time members of staff to focus on their Rugby programmes.
David Ross has over 3 years of experience working as one of Scottish Rugby’s Performance Development Managers and David Adamson, Edinburgh’s Rugby Development Officer, has risen quickly through Scottish Rugby’s Coach Education System.
The two clubs played two fixtures against each other last season with Edinburgh winning on both occasions and on their way to clinching the Scottish BUCS League title.
However, St Andrews are confident that they have built a special team this season with a real shift from the traditional ways of the club towards a more professional and dedicated approach.
David Ross continued: “All the hard work done by London Scottish ,Edinburgh University and The University of St Andrews is to be commended. Having the game in London adds a certain glitz and glamour to the two most traditional university teams in the country and having it be played on St Andrews day will make the event that little bit more special for all those alumni and Scottish rugby supporters living in the South West.”
