Sports showdown as Dundee’s universities prepare to battle for Varsity trophy

The annual Varsity sporting tournament returns to Dundee next week, with athletes from the city’s two universities set to compete across sixteen sports. 

The highly anticipated tournament will be held on Wednesday 19 March 2025 as Abertay University and the University of Dundee go head-to-head in a day of fierce but friendly competition. 

Now in its 16th year, this showdown is Dundee’s largest amateur sporting event, featuring over 600 students competing across multiple venues around the city in men’s, women’s, and mixed categories. 

From football and rugby to golf and archery, the event offers something for everyone, with free entry to all matches. Spectators can also enjoy cheerleading and dance performances before the day rounds off with an awards ceremony.  

Abertay aims to claim the coveted Tay Varsity Challenge Trophy following Dundee’s consecutive successes in recent years. 

Michael Devlin, Sports Development Officer at Abertay, said: 

Varsity is always a highlight of the student sporting calendar, bringing together the best of both universities for an exciting day of competition. With league and cup seasons wrapping up, we’re expecting plenty of thrilling matches – and, of course, we’re determined to bring the trophy back to Abertay!

Kelly Monnlight, Sport Development Manager at the University of Dundee, said:  

Varsity is a major highlight in our sporting calendar, bringing together spectators from both institutions to experience the excitement of student sport and cheer on their teams across various fixtures and venues. We look forward to the friendly rivalry, never taking anything for granted, and remain hopeful that the trophy stays with us for another year!

For full event details and live updates on the day, visit Abertay University’s Instagram channel and Dundee’s Sports Union page on Instagram.