VARSITY MATCH WW1 COMMEMORATION PLANS NEAR COMPLETION
The 133rd Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge is being turned into a major commemoration of the 55
Blues who fell in World War 1.
All season the two clubs have been developing plans to celebrate the lives of the 55 players – 27 Oxford and 28
Cambridge – who lost their lives in the great conflict between 1914-18 and already Oxford have linked with
Rugby School in remembering Ernest Boyd, the first Blue to fall on 20 October, 1914.
The Universities are inviting all the schools linked to the 55 Blues to attend the game as their guests on Thursday,
11 December and they will be involved with a wreath laying ceremony at the RFU’s War Memorial at the ground
before kick-off.
The teams will take to the field for the game via a guard of honour made up of players from the University
Colleges representing the fallen Blues and the Last Post will be played before kick-off.
Former Wales and British & Irish Lions back row forward Eddie Butler, a Cambridge Blue in 1976-78, will read
out the names of the ‘55 Fallen Blues’ as the teams line-up before kick-off and their photographs will appear on
the big screens and perimeter signage at the ground.
In addition the commemoration will see
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Both teams wear poppies on their shirts for the Under 21 and Senior matches
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The Band of the Parachute Regiment perform on the pitch before the game
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The Band of the Adjutant General Corps perform in the West Car Park
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The RFU Museum put on a special display to commemorate the Varsity Match
Other activities linked to this year’s Varsity Match, the biggest amateur rugby game in the world, will see pupils
from St Mary and St John CE Primary School, Oxford and The Grove Primary School, Cambridge involved in a
painting competition depicting their visions of WW1, with the best displayed at Twickenham on match day.
The Varsity Match ambassador, Alastair Hignell, who presents a Medal of Honour in his name to the Man of the
Match, is a Trustee of Leonard Cheshire Disability which is the official charity of The Varsity Match. This year the
charity is producing 10,000 dark and light blue Santa Hats that will be sold before and at the game, with all
proceeds going to the charity.
“The response we have had from schools, clubs and fans alike has been fantastic and we are looking for as many
people as possible to join us to commemorate these 55 brave young men who so willingly gave their lives for their
country 100 years ago,” said Cambridge University RFC president, Mark Bailey.
“In addition, we want everyone to witness what will be another great game between two teams who continue to
maintain the high standards or rivalry and friendship that have characterised this amazing fixture ever since it was
first played in 1872.
“Oxford are chasing a fifth successive victory for the first time in their history and Jacob Taylor’s men have
already beaten Wasps this season and won two games on tour in Russia. Harry Peck, who is leading Cambridge
this year, is building a highly competitive side that will be determined to stop the Dark Blues making history, as
their 27-3 win over Coventry demonstrated this week.”