Varsity 2026: In Conversation With Women's Rugby Union

This is Varsity 2026.

We spoke to Rosie (1st Team Captain) and Abby (Club Captain) from 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 team described having such a big crowds as “encouraging” and something that really helps to “spur” them on, followed by an emotional moment post-match when the squad get to see their friends, families, and supporters at the pitch barriers.

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. Last year was a lovely, sunny day- let’s hope that the April showers hold back!

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!

Whilst the society does take a break along with the University over the April break, commitment does continue. A lot of players go home, but there are also many that come back early during the break, or continue to train at home.

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. The entire squad are huge fans of Ellie Kildunne, stating that they’re “probably some of her biggest fans!” She’s a huge role model for the club as a whole.