It is just over a week until the Cassidian University Cup that will see university rugby teams from within the Blues region compete on the Arms Park pitch.

The tournament, which is sure to capture the imagination of students within the region, will be played on Wednesday 2nd October between teams from Cardiff Metropolitan, Cardiff University, Cardiff Medicals and the University of South Wales. Gates and bars open at 12noon.

With a healthy rivalry already in place between the university 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.

The players from Blues have already got right behind the event with several stars now acting as ambassadors. Gethin Jenkins (University of South Wales), Sam Warburton (Cardiff University), Alex Cuthbert (Cardiff Metropolitan) and Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Medicals) have this week sent good luck messages to the teams.

All matches on the day 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 are priced at just £5 for the whole day and available through university outlets, with the university themselves keeping 50% of the tickets sales, thus enabling the universities to generate revenue that could be ploughed back into their sporting sections.

Speaking of the tournament, Dr. Tudor Williams, Director of Sport at USW, said: “This is a superb opportunity for students to play at one of the most famous rugby stadiums in Europe.

“The timing is excellent. It will be at the end of the trails 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.

“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.”

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.”

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