University life can be quite demanding; however, as a student, you need to create a healthy balance between academics and leisure. Students ‘ schedules are usually hectic due to their academic workload, studying, exams, and personal commitments, which is why many experience burnout. Others have to pay for essay services to cope with their workload and free their schedules.
Despite the challenges, you need time to unwind, and one of the best ways to do this if you are studying in London is by attending rugby events. Rugby is among the most exciting sports to watch, and London offers many amazing events you can attend or watch in pubs. Here’s a compilation of some of the best ones to look out for, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the game.
The Oxford vs Cambridge Varsity Match
The Varsity match is an annual rugby fixture between Oxford and Cambridge Universities in England. The event dates back to 1872 and has been held consistently every year since then, with the exceptions being during the World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is considered one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sports rivalries because it features two of the top universities in England, Cambridge and Oxford. The competition is full of traditional culture and features an electric atmosphere thanks to passionate fans from both universities.
Since the competition’s launch, the two opponents have met 140 times, with Cambridge winning 65 matches and Oxford winning 62; the remaining 14 were draws. The competition is often held in December at the Twickenham Stadium, but in 2024, the teams met in March, where Cambridge won 56-11 at the new venue, the StoneX stadium. It is a thrilling competition that offers quality university rugby and a great atmosphere for any rugby fan.
BUCS Super Rugby
Some of the best rugby matches you can watch in London are in the BUCS Super Rugby competition. It is the highest level of University Rugby in Britain and features all the country’s top men’s university rugby teams. The 10-team competition was started in 2016 and uses a league phase, championship phase, and playoff matches between the relegation candidates and teams at the top of the lower North and South A leagues.
The competition winner takes the bragging rights and boosts their reputation in sports. The most recent winners were the University of Exeter in the League and Loughborough University in the championship. BUCS provides some great entertainment and is one of the highest stages in which rugby student-athletes can show their skills and develop their careers. You can catch the games throughout the year across different London universities.
Middlesex Sevens Tournament
The annual tournament is usually held in May at the Twickenham Stadium and features teams from all over the country. The competition attracts the best sevens rugby teams worldwide, including some professional clubs and national teams. This event is more than just a rugby tournament. It was initially started as a charity event and continues to raise money for charities. It also provides a vibrant social atmosphere with food, music, and entertainment, making it a fun leisure option.
The Premiership Rugby Final
The Gallagher Premiership rugby final is the peak of domestic rugby in England. The match is a final between the two best teams in English rugby league. The premiership final is held in May at the Twickenham stadium. Winning the competition is a major achievement that qualifies the winning team for the European Rugby Championships. The event offers an exhilarating atmosphere with many fans and the chance to see world-class players in action.
The Six Nations Championship
The Guinness Six Nations Championship is an international rugby competition that features six nations: Wales, England, Ireland, France, Italy, and Scotland. The competition is held annually from February to March, and you can catch England’s home matches at the Twickenham Stadium. Catching one of England’s home games live at the Twickenham Stadium is an extraordinary experience; however, the tickets can be pricey, so if you can’t afford it, you can still catch the games with other fans at local pubs.
Harlequins and Saracens Home Matches
London has two of the largest rugby teams in England, the Harlequins and the Saracens. Both of these teams have intense rivalries with other teams, and each other, and their home games draw thousands of fans. Harlequins play at the Twickenham Stoop, and Saracens play at the StoneX Stadium. These teams provide seasonal home matches at very cheap rates, so you have no reason to miss them.
London Sevens
The London Sevens is part of the World Rugby series circuit comprising eight tournaments held on five continents. The London Sevens were often the last stop of the World Rugby series, mainly because of the high attendance record of English fans.
The series is held in May at the Twickenham stadium and provides the high-pace and high-scoring games common in Sevens tournaments. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for students looking for a memorable rugby experience.
The London Irish St. Patrick’s Party
Around St. Patrick’s Day in March, London’s streets come alive with celebrations of Irish culture. The London Irish Rugby Club frequently hosts a rugby match at the G-Tech community stadium as part of the festivities. Enjoy food, music, and a competitive rugby match as you celebrate various facets of Irish culture at this event.
Rugby Pub Crawl in Central London
Pub crawling is an ideal way to get a feel of rugby culture without having to visit a rugby stadium. It is for people who would rather watch the game with other pub fans while enjoying the rugby atmosphere. Some of the most famous pubs with live rugby are The Harlequins Clubhouse, The Cabbage Patch, and The Three Kings.
Parting Shot
Rugby is a very interesting game, and if you happen to be a student in London, then you should consider yourself lucky since London is one of the biggest rugby hubs in the world. It has so many events that you can visit any time of the year, and every single one of them gives you the opportunity to watch some great games and meet other people with whom you share interests. So, invite your friends and immerse yourself in the city’s rugby experience, on the field in the stands or even in one of the city’s many pubs.