Varsity Rugby Union Shirt Polo 1872

Description

An inspiration behind our Varsity Rugby Union Shirt Polo

The inspiration for the design of our Varsity Rugby Union Shirt Polo is the annual Varsity Match. The match played between the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. The first game was staged in 1872. Twickenham Stadium has been the games venue since 1921.

The first ever Varsity fixture was played at The Parks in Oxford. The second Varsity Match in 1873 was staged in Cambridge at Parker’s Piece, but ever since it has been played in London. Seven matches were staged at The Oval in Kennington. A further three matches were played in Blackheath at Richardson’s Field and four at the Rectory Field. Then it moved to the Queen’s Club in Kensington from 1887 to 1920.

Heavy fog resulted in postponements in 1878 and 1879. During the war, no official Varsity Matches were played. However, during wartime, a series of games were played. The matches resulted in two wins for Oxford and nine wins for Cambridge, with one drawn game.

The 100th Varsity Match played in Snow

There was heavy snow at Twickenham for the hundredth match in 1981. The game still went ahead but played on a bed of snow as the ground staff felt unable to remove it in time for the kick-off. All the points came from kicks. Many officials said the game should not have been played. The snow caught the authorities unaware and made playing a passing game almost impossible. Within minutes of the start it was clear the game would be one of drops and knock-ons as the ball became covered in snow every time it hit the ground. Cambridge won the game 9-6 victory.

Manufactured from 100% chunky pique cotton, the shirt features contrast inner placket, arm rib and collar stand. In addition the Ellis Rugby branding and XV on the arm.

The available sizes are S to 4XL.

As well as the Varsity Rugby Union Shirt Polo, we also offer a Cambridge Varsity Rugby Shirt ‘Light Blues’ Vintage and Oxford Varsity Rugby Shirt ‘Dark Blues’ Vintage.