Varsity 2026: In Conversation With Women's Rugby Union

This is Varsity 2026.

We spoke to the University of Leeds Women’s Rugby Union team.

A sport growing in popularity

This year, Women’s Rugby Union will battle for the trophy at Headingley Stadium.

Both teams described playing the finale at Headingley Stadium as a great way for each player to “get [their] names out there” and gain exposure as a player looking to progress.

The Varsity Finale is a key event in the calendar, and helps Women’s Rugby to gain more visibility as women in sport. Both teams are excited to play at this ‘bucket-list’ ground, as it pushes more women to get involved in rugby, both recreationally and professionally.

The sport is “getting bigger every year,” and as a result of that, so does their crowd at Varsity! The Women’s Rugby Finale plays just before the Men’s Rugby Finale, and is an underrated and extremely exciting face-off, kicking off one of the best nights of the university year.

Preparing for Varsity

In preparation for their matches, Women’s Rugby Union takes community and positivity seriously. Before heading to the stadium together, they like to get ready and of course, carb load!

Some of their team also play for Yorkshire U21s, and many are huge fans of the England Women’s Rugby Team, meaning that their love for the sport continues both on and off the pitch.