Welsh food wholesaler Castell Howell and the new Swansea Arena will be the principal sponsors for Swansea University at this year’s Welsh Varsity returns.
Both sponsors will feature on the men’s and women’s rugby jerseys for their respective matches against Cardiff University this week.
Their sponsorship will also see representatives presenting the Varsity jerseys to both the men’s and women’s squads ahead of the showpiece event, as well as dual campus digi-screen advertising.
The Welsh Varsity is a week-long festival of sport with students competing in more than 30 sports including swimming, golf, football, netball, hockey and fencing and this year Swansea University is delighted to be hosting activities.
Most events will take place at the University’s Swansea Bay Sports Park on Wednesday, April 27, culminating in the men’s rugby match at the Swansea.com Stadium later that night.
The men’s and women’s rugby matches will be available live online via S4C Clic as well as at Rygbi Pawb Facebook Live & S4C’s YouTube channel. They will also be streamed live on the University’s Facebook page.
The Welsh Varsity is the second biggest Varsity event in the UK behind Oxford and Cambridge and is keenly supported by thousands of students from both universities.
Cardiff currently hold both the Welsh Varsity Shield and Cup, following their victories in 2019 so Swansea will be eager to take on this year’s challenge on home turf.
Swansea University Head of Development and Engagement Rachel Thomas said: “The Welsh Varsity has always been a greatly anticipated event in the University calendar, but after a two-year break this one will be particularly special to everyone taking part and cheering on their teams.
“We are delighted to have the support of both Castell Howell and Swansea Arena helping us welcome back the Welsh Varsity in style and create a truly memorable occasion for everyone involved.”
Castell Howell Foods is Wales’s leading independent food service wholesaler, servicing Wales, the border counties and South West of England. Its founder Brian Jones said: “We are committed to supporting the communities we serve, helping to promote opportunities for young individuals to gain experiences to develop many of the skills they need to succeed.
“The Welsh Varsity is a calendar event for students across South Wales, and we wish all athletes, competitors and supporters the best of success on this important day.”
Swansea Arena is South Wales’s newest multi-purpose entertainment and events space and hosted the University’s graduation ceremonies earlier this month.
Venue director Lisa Mart: “As one of the principal sponsors of the 2022 Varsity rugby match, we are thrilled to be associated with Swansea University and the values for which it stands.
“The Swansea Arena team is committed to connecting with the people of our city at this time of wonderful change, and through our sponsorship of this highly competitive and fun day, we hope to engage and inspire everyone with the opportunities and experiences that a custom-built live entertainment venue can offer.”