Your Guide to the Scottish Varsity Match

Edinburgh v St Andrews. Friday night. Under the lights. More than 160 years of rivalry.

The Scottish Varsity Match returns to Hive Stadium on Friday 18 September, bringing together two of Scotland’s oldest universities for one of the country’s longest-running sporting rivalries.

But if you’re imagining 80 minutes of rugby followed by everyone heading home, think again.

Whether you’re an Edinburgh student looking for a big night out, an alumnus returning to support your university or simply a rugby fan looking for your Friday night fix, here’s what you need to know.

1. First things first: where actually is Hive Stadium?

If you know where Scottish Gas Murrayfield is, you’re sorted. Hive Stadium is right next door, to the west of Edinburgh city centre.

Getting there is pretty easy too. The Murrayfield tram stop is right beside the stadium, with direct services from the city centre, Haymarket and further afield. There are also numerous bus routes serving the surrounding area. 

Prefer to walk? It’s around 20 minutes from Haymarket or approximately 45 minutes from the city centre. 

One thing we wouldn’t recommend? Driving. There’s no public parking at Hive Stadium on matchdays, so public transport or walking is your friend. (⁠Edinburgh Rugby)

2. Get there early - this is more than 80 minutes of rugby

Kick-off might be at 7.30pm, but Varsity night starts well before then.

Grab your friends, get your colours on and arrive early enough to enjoy the build-up. There will be food and drink to enjoy, plenty of opportunities for the obligatory group photo and, most importantly, time to soak up the atmosphere as supporters from both universities begin to fill the stadium.

The rugby is the centrepiece, but the crowd is a huge part of what makes Varsity special.

So pick your side and make some noise.

3. Dress for an Edinburgh Friday night

We’d love to promise glorious late-summer sunshine. We cannot.

September in Edinburgh typically sees daytime highs around 17°C and lows around 9°C, so by the time the match gets underway at 7.30pm you’ll probably be glad you brought another layer. 

Our advice? University colours on top, sensible Scottish-weather planning underneath. And checking the actual forecast before leaving the flat wouldn’t hurt.

4. You’re watching a little piece of Scottish sporting history

Here’s the bit you can casually drop into conversation while watching the game: Edinburgh and St Andrews first contested the Scottish Varsity Match in 1861.

That means when the teams run out at Hive Stadium, they’re continuing a rivalry stretching back more than 160 years.

Generations of students have represented both universities in the fixture, making Varsity much more than another rugby match. It’s an opportunity for current students, former students and rugby supporters to come together and become part of one of Scotland’s great sporting traditions.

5. So… are you coming?

One Friday night. Two historic universities. More than 160 years of rivalry.

Edinburgh v St Andrews takes place at Hive Stadium on Friday 18 September, with kick-off at 7.30pm.

Secure your tickets now and be there as the next chapter of Varsity history is written.