Sunny days and exams are what most of us think when returning to Oxford for Trinity Term. What can easily be forgotten between picnics and papers are the numerous exciting sports events happening this term. Let’s walk through some picks of competitions both on college and Varsity levels. 

One of the biggest and most anticipated tournaments will take place across the weekend of 21 and 22 June at the stunning Arundel Castle Cricket Ground where both teams play 50 overs per side fixtures against their Cambridge opponents on consecutive days. The men’s and women’s cricket season, running from April through to early July, culminates in the Varsity match against Cambridge. If you don’t want to wait that long, our Twenty20 teams are facing off against their Varsity rivals on 9 May. T20 is a quicker form of cricket, usually not lasting longer than three hours. So start off the term right and support Oxford at Lord’s Cricket Grounds in London this Friday!

Another outdoor sports event will be the Varsity Bowl XVIII, where the Oxford Lancers welcome the Cambridge Pythons in an American Football matchup of friendly rivalry. After the regular season, both teams will compete against each other on 10 May, in University Parks here in Oxford. Based on the Lancers’ dominant performances in Varsity history (and the great weather we are having at the moment), it promises to be a great day for new and old fans.

Continuing with the Cuppers, the Oxford University Trampoline Club is holding its Cuppers on 8 May in the Iffley Road Sports Centre. If you are interested, there is still time left to join one of their trainings as a free taster session beforehand. Even if you don’t compete, seeing your fellow students doing spectacular stunts in the air is something worth watching. 

Another sport you won’t want to miss is Basketball. Trinity is a great term for some basketball, with Cuppers running from week 2 through to week 8. The matches are played in a playoff bracket format, meaning immediate knockouts and an exciting finale. With a usually large number of competitors and spirits running high, the teams rely on your support. You can watch your friends and fellow students compete on Thursday mornings (7.30 to 10 a.m.) at Iffley Roads Sports Centre. Will Balliol reclaim their throne?

If you want to get in touch with one of the most popular sports at Oxford, Touch Rugby Mixed Cuppers will take place on 17 May from 12 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. You can enjoy a lovely afternoon in the fresh air while watching several colleges or amalgamations play against each other. Whether the sun is shining or not, this promises to be a heated competition. 

A particularly fun and interesting event this term will be Croquet Cuppers—the largest croquet competition in the world! Secondly, most of the people who usually compete have never played before. It is played in teams of four and each match consists of two double games. The tournament lasts for two months starting on 11 May, with the date of the finale to be determined. If you want to support your college or get a taste of croquet, Trinity Term is your chance.

Last but certainly not least, you can bear witness to one of the biggest competitions of the year. The Summer Eights is an inter-college rowing competition that takes place each Trinity. It starts on 24 May with the “Rowing on”, a qualification round to determine which teams compete in the main race. Then, from the 28 to 31 May, the actual races take place. This competition is just like Torpids, only with a better chance of nice weather. Apart from being an elite competing ground for athletes and their teams, it is also an occasion to come together as supporters and celebrate team spirit. So even if you have no ties to rowing yet, why not enjoy the great atmosphere at one of the most traditional sports events in Oxford?

It is helpful to know that every sports team chooses individual dates for their events that are likely to change every year. So, if you’re interested in a competition that is not mentioned here, contacting the societies might be the best way to get your desired information. 

Finally, here are some honorable mentions of Cuppers this term:


As you can see, this term is packed with fun sporting events for athletes on every level, and high-spirited spectators. Be sure to catch your favourite university sporting events in action this summer to break up the studying and enjoy the sun!