Varsity 2011
31 January 2011
Two universities. 20 events. One day of competition.
On the 30th March 2011 Cardiff students will go head-to-head with their Swansea counterparts to find the deserving winner of the Varsity Shield, a symbol of all-round sporting excellence.
Teams from sports including badminton, football, golf and lacrosse will be cheered on by their supporters at venues across Cardiff until the atmosphere reaches fever pitch for the main event - the fight for the Varsity Rugby Cup.
This year, in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the Varsity competition, players will take to the pitch at the home of Welsh rugby, the Millennium Stadium.
To mark the anniversary and the build up to the game, the University’s Main Building on Park Place was lit up with the Varsity logo. A reception for students participating in the competition was also held with invited guests from the University, Students’ Union and the Millennium Stadium.
Jack Perkins, Athletic President, Students’ Union said: “With the Varsity Games moving to the impressive Welsh Institute of Sport and the rugby match moving to the Millennium Stadium, this year's Varsity is set to be the best ever. As it is the 15th anniversary of the competition I'm hoping that our Cardiff sides dominate once again as it really is not the year to lose the Shield for the first time. Bring on 30th March!”
Tickets for the Millennium Stadium encounter, which kicks off at 7.00pm on 30th March are available from Ticketmaster online: ticketmaster.co.uk and via telephone: 08442 777888.
Cardiff staff and students can visit welshvarsity.com, cardiffboxoffice.com or call in to Cardiff Students’ Union Box Office.
Mark Schropfer
Profile: Varsity rugby captain
Name: Mark Schropfer
Squad: Mens 1st XV
Studying at: Cardiff Law School
Date of Birth: 14/02/90
Place of Birth: Swansea
Height: 1.50m
Weight: 80.0kg
Mark, a graduate of Olchfa School in Swansea is studying Law at Cardiff. He is a Varsity veteran and an invaluable member of the 1ST XV squad. Mark is the clubs ultimate motivator and ever-present at games and training whether fit or injured.
Mark has represented Wales at U16 and U18 Level against England and Italy, with caps coming on the back of strong performances for the Ospreys age grade squads.
Speaking about the Varsity match, Mark said: "Varsity is the definitive moment of the season where two teams with an intense rivalry bring everything to the pitch. To represent the University in such a prestigious event with such a great history is truly an honour. For most, it is the biggest event we will ever play in and for others, perhaps a building block to develop their career, but for all of us it is the crowning moment of every season with Cardiff University Rugby Club. There is great pride in playing well and I’m sure spectators can see what Varsity is all about; the passion, the spirit, the team."
