The Blues University Cup will see four university teams from within the region compete on the Arms Park pitch on Wednesday 2nd October
The tournament, which is sure to capture the imagination of students within the region, will be played between teams from Cardiff Metropolitan, Cardiff University, Cardiff Medicals and the University of South Wales.
With a healthy rivalry already in place between the University rugby sides, the 15 a side competition will see two semi- finals and the winner of the final being crowned the inaugural Blues University Cup champion and claim a prize of £2,500 worth of Gilbert equipment.
All matches will be 40 minutes in length and the Blues are aiming to have a carnival atmosphere at the stadium with drinks promotions, food outlets and entertainment in place to add to the occasion.
Tickets will be priced at just £5 for the whole day and are available through University outlets. The University themselves will be keeping 50% of the tickets sales, enabling them to generate revenue that can be ploughed back into their sporting sections.
Speaking of the tournament, Dr. Tudor Williams, Director of Sport said;
“This is a fantastic initiative from the Blues and a superb opportunity for students to play at one of the most famous rugby stadiums in Europe.
“ By the Autumn the Blues will have their new artificial pitch and we are delighted to be invited to participate in this competition.
“The timing is also excellent. It will be at the end of the trials at the beginning of the new term and just a week before the start of the BUCS Leagues.
“ We are really looking forwards to the competition."
Martyn Fowler of Cardiff University, who will be fielding teams from the University and Cardiff Medicals said,
“There has never been a better time to be studying at a HE or FE institution in Wales than at the moment.
“We have the College Cup series, the largest student event in Wales in the Welsh Varsity match and now the inaugural Blues University Cup.
“This is a competition that I am sure will provide a shop window for the brightest young talent at the four competing institutions to showcase their talent.
“Without doubt this competition will grow and become a genuine must attend event in the annual rugby calendar.”
Chris Davey of Cardiff Metropolitan University added,
“Cardiff Met is delighted to be involved in this initiative and see this as a major step forward in strengthening links between the Blues and their University Rugby Clubs.
“This tournament will give all of the institutions an opportunity to showcase university rugby and will be a great experience for everyone involved.”