First played in 1872, The Varsity Matches is the annual rugby challenge event between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Since 2015 The Women's Varsity Match has been played on the same day and at the same venue, becoming an integral part of the experience. As one of the world's longest running sporting events The Varsity Matches represent the pinnacle of university rugby. The balance of sporting endeavours and academic excellence. Top international heroes share the dressing rooms with astrophysicists.