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This year's Welsh Varsity rugby match is at risk of becoming a lopsided contest due to a fixture clash.

On the same day the fierce rivalry between Cardiff University and Swansea University is scheduled to be rekindled, Swansea firsts have been booked in to play a BUCS Super Rugby play-off final against Nottingham Trent.

It's a huge game as the winner of that fixture will play in BUCS' top rugby league next season.

It means Swansea are being forced to field what they describe as a Barbarians-style team at the Principality Stadium on Wednesday.

Their Varsity squad will be made up of second team players and students that are affiliated with regional academies, who are not eligible for the BUCS play-off.

Swansea's second team play four tiers below Cardiff's firsts in Western 2B, the same league as Cardiff's fourth team.

The fixture clash first became apparent last Wednesday, when Swansea beat Newcastle in the play-off semi-final.

(Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

Since then, they've been scrambling desperately, contacting BUCS and Nottingham Trent University in an attempt to reschedule the play-off final.

They also offered to give up home advantage to agree on a new date but to no avail.

Not only does it mean that they will have to field a weakened Varsity team, devaluing the fixture, it will also result in players missing out on the chance of a lifetime and playing at the national stadium.

In a statement, Swansea University Rugby Club said: "Despite having full knowledge that the date for 2019 Welsh Varsity has been scheduled for Wednesday 10 April, BUCS set the same day for the BUCS Super Rugby play-off between Swansea University and Nottingham Trent University.

"BSR is the pinnacle of student sporting competition and the club have worked long and hard over the last 12 months to realise their aspirations to compete at this level.

"Despite offering in excess of eight alternative dates to Nottingham Trent, and even the offer of giving up home advantage, Nottingham Trent University refused all attempts to accommodate our reasonable request to secure an alternative date for the play-off fixture.

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"Placed in this difficult position, the originally selected Varsity 23 have sacrificed their opportunity to play in the Principality Stadium to focus on their aspiration to secure a place within BUCS Super Rugby and create a legacy for the club and the university.

"The play-off match is the priority. These players have been selfless in this act and should be proud of their decision.

"At the same time, Swansea University Rugby Club recognises the tremendous profile that the Welsh Varsity gives to Welsh Student Rugby, providing TV coverage.

"In order to protect and sustain this, Swansea University Rugby Club will be fielding a Barbarians-style side consisting of University Regional Academy players, along with a mix of some of our most up and coming first and second team players.

"We would like to thank all of our players and their families for their continued support. along with our sponsors: Dell & Circle IT.

"We would also like to thank Cardiff University for recognising the challenges we have faced.

"All that remains to be said is that we wish all teams from both universities the very best of luck in the Welsh Varsity 2019."

A joint statement from Swansea University and British Universities and Colleges Sport later insisted that significant efforts were made to avoid the clash.

It read: "Following detailed discussions between Swansea University and BUCS concerning the play-off date for BUCS Super Rugby and the clash with the Welsh Varsity, Swansea University have accepted the date for the play-off and agreed to fulfil the BUCS Super Rugby play-off.

"Despite significant efforts from all parties concerned it has not been possible to find a suitable alternative date.

"This has caused some unfortunate consequences, as some of Swansea University players will miss the chance of representing their University at Varsity and playing in the Principality Stadium.

"However, reaching the play-offs of BUCS Super Rugby is a fantastic achievement and it means the University could have the chance of playing at the highest level next year.

"Swansea will be fielding their strongest teams possible for both matches and they send their best wishes and support to all players taking part tomorrow, including those playing in the women’s rugby and all the other Varsity sports."