A winning collaboration: Edinburgh Rugby renews partnership with The University of Edinburgh

The extension for 2026/27 comes just ahead of Saturday’s 2025 Men’s Scottish Varsity Match, which will be hosted at Hive Stadium for the second consecutive year. The historic clash between The University of Edinburgh and The University of St Andrews kicks off at 2pm this Saturday (20 September).

Following the success of last year’s event, which attracted a crowd of over 4,500 spectators to watch St Andrews emerge victorious with a 24-13 win, both Universities are aiming for a sell-out crowd as the teams battle for The Scottish Varsity Cup.

The renewed partnership – which began in 2023/2024 – gives Edinburgh Rugby continued access to the University’s world-class training facilities, equipment and support services, with the club utilising the city’s Peffermill and Pleasance facilities during the recent off-season.

The 2025 Scottish Varsity Match will once again take place at Hive Stadium.

The partnership also has strong ties to the playing and coaching ranks. Current Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland international Sam Skinner is part of the men’s team coaching set-up at The University of Edinburgh alongside former Edinburgh Rugby player Henry Pyrgos, while Edinburgh stars Harry Paterson and Matt Currie are both currently studying at the University.

The collaboration has also benefited the club’s women’s team, with Head Coach Claire Cruikshank joining permanently from the University and several players competing for The University of Edinburgh at BUCS level.

Off the field, the partnership extends to teaching, volunteer experiences, match day experiences, as well as placement and internship opportunities. The two institutions have also explored commercial, event and marketing collaborations, including an Edinburgh Rugby Business Club event at the University Playfair Library and joint marketing for the club’s student night fixtures.

The University of Edinburgh’s logo will continue to be proudly displayed on the right collar of the club’s home and alternate Macron match jerseys in the BKT United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup, showcasing the partnership to a growing local and global audience.

Harry Paterson is currently studying at The University of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Rugby Managing Director Douglas Struth commented: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with The University of Edinburgh for another season.

“This collaboration has been hugely beneficial for both parties, providing our club with access to some of the best training facilities and expertise in the country, while also helping to enhance and benefit the University’s rugby programme. It’s a natural fit, given our shared passion for sport and our commitment to developing talent, on and off the field.”

Struth added: “It’s a privilege to once again host the famous men’s Scottish Varsity Match at Hive Stadium. This fixture is steeped in history and we’re proud to provide a stage for these two historic clubs to battle it out in front of what we hope will be a packed stadium.

“It’s an event that celebrates the best of university rugby and we encourage all students and fans to come out and support.”

Mark Munro, Director of Sport & Active Health at The University of Edinburgh said: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with Edinburgh Rugby, which continues to create exciting opportunities both on and off the field.

“This collaboration not only gives our student athletes the chance to learn from and train alongside world-class professionals, but also provides valuable student pathway opportunities through placements, internships and the sharing of best practice in areas such as marketing and business management, strength and conditioning, sports medicine and physiology.

“Together, we are building a partnership that develops people, enhances academic learnings, strengthens performance, and showcases the very best of sport in Edinburgh.”

Scotland’s Oldest Varsity Match takes place at Hive Stadium on Saturday 20 September with a 2pm kick off. You can secure your tickets HERE.

Be the 16^th man as the University of Edinburgh aim to win back the trophy!