The Oxford and Cambridge rugby teams will meet once again for the annual Varsity Matches on Saturday 28 February 2026, with both the Men’s and Women’s Blues competing at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium. One of the most anticipated fixtures in the Oxford sporting calendar, Varsity arrives this year with both sides showing mixed form and recent fixtures being tight contests.

A rivalry with swings in momentum 

Recent Varsity history highlights how unpredictable the fixture has become. In the Men’s Varsity, Oxford reclaimed victory in 2025, defeating Cambridge 35–28, after heavy losses in 2024 (11–56) and 2023 (10–15). Earlier editions saw Oxford secure wins in 2022 (21–17) and 2021 (34–7), underscoring how momentum has shifted repeatedly between the two universities.

The Women’s Varsity has followed a similar pattern. Oxford recorded a commanding 27–7 win in 2025, having lost narrowly the year before (5–10). The Light Blues also won convincingly in 2023 (31–12), drew in 2022 (10–10), and were defeated in 2021 (5–10). With no prolonged period of dominance on either side, both teams enter this year finely balanced.

Mixed form in the build-up

Oxford’s preparations for Varsity have produced varied results across squads.The Panthers impressed with a 34–17 win over Birmingham City University on 14 January 2026, while the Women’s Blues were defeated 14–29 by Brunel 2s on the same day.

The Men’s Blues secured a victory against Major Stanley’s XV on 3 December, and while their scheduled fixture against Trinity College Dublin on 6 February has yet to take place, Oxford’s most recent recorded outing against Trinity saw a 38–12 defeat in a university match, highlighting the challenge that awaits this season’s Blues.  

Matchday schedule and atmosphere

Gates at StoneX Stadium will open at 11am, with entertainment beginning throughout the day.

The Women’s Varsity will kick off at 12pm, followed by the Men’s Varsity at 3pm.

Between matches, spectators can expect performances from Oxford and Cambridge student groups, DJs, and other acts, contributing to the festival-style atmosphere that has become a hallmark of Varsity. The Olympic Bar, spanning the East Stand, will remain open until 9pm.

Tickets, travel, and hospitality

Tickets are available across the stadium at the same base price:

  • £15 for adult unreserved seating or standing
  • North Stand (seated)
  • East Stand (standing)
  • South Stand (seated)

Tickets including return coach travel from Oxford or Cambridge are priced at £37.50, with departures scheduled at 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, and 12:00.

Return coaches will begin loading from 5:30pm, with the final coach departing at 7:30pm.

Discounted tickets are available for alumni and groups of ten or more, while Saracens are also offering a range of premium hospitality packages for the Varsity matches.

What’s at stake

With recent results split evenly and both sides still shaping their form, Varsity 2026 promises to be closely fought. Beyond the scoreline, the fixture remains a defining moment in the Oxford sporting year. It marks a test of preparation, pressure, and rivalry played out on one of English rugby’s biggest stages.