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When is it?

Wednesday April 20

Where is it?

Swansea University campus and Liberty Stadium, Swansea

(Image: Alex Morton/Getty Images)

What time does it kick-off?

Events across 40 sports started with the Rowing on Saturday but the bulk of the action takes place on Wednesday.

Events begin at 10am, with Athletics, Badminton, Netball, Tae Kwon Do, Sailing and Tennis getting things started.

It all ends with the showpiece event - the men's match for the Varsity Rugby Cup which takes place at the Liberty Stadium. Kick-off is at 7pm.

How many fans are expected?

Last year’s Varsity drew its biggest audience to date, with more than 20,000 spectators watching competitions, held mainly at Swansea University’s Sports Village on Sketty Lane and the Leisure Complex.

The rugby alone attracted more than 16,000 fans and it is expected there will be a similar, if not even greater, turnout this year.

(Image: James Davies)

History of the rugby match

The inaugural Welsh Varsity rugby match was played in 1997 and in the early years it was held alternatively at Cardiff Arms Park and St Helens.

In 2003 and until 2007 the game was held at the neutral ground of the Brewery field in Bridgend.

Since 2010 the match has either been played at the Liberty Stadium or Millennium Stadium.

Swansea University has won the match 12 times out of a possible 19, but Cardiff ran out 27-22 winners last year.

In 2007 both universities agreed to award caps for all students who play in Varsity to add an extra edge to the most competitive game of the year.

Familiar names

There are many household names that have competed in the Varsity rugby match in the past.

That is the case on the Swansea side in particular with the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, Ritchie Pugh and Dwayne Peel having played.

Anything else?

The event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and four new sports have been added in 2016.

They are Athletics, Archery, Kick Boxing and Water Polo.

What they have said

Felix Mmeka, Swansea Union Sports Officer, said: "I am very excited that the Welsh Varsity 2016 is in Swansea, it is really good for our athletes to compete on home soil. I am sure our clubs are looking forward to fighting for both the Shield and the Cup and our students are eager to watch the spectacle.

"Cardiff watch out, Green and White Army (GWA) are coming for you.”

Sam Parsons, Cardiff University VP Sport & AU President, said: “Throughout my time at University, each year Varsity was a massive highlight, and I can’t wait to head back over to Swansea to retain both the Shield, and the Cup.

"I’m sure all of our clubs that are involved are in that same mind-set – it’s an exciting time to be a part of Team Cardiff.”

poll loading Who will win the Welsh Varsity shield 2016? 0+ VOTES SO FAR SWANSEA CARDIFF

Tickets

Tickets for the Varsity Cup rugby match will be available at the Liberty Stadium box office on the day.

Cardiff students can also buy tickets online .

Wednesday's full itinerary:

Athletics, Outdoor Track, 10am

Badminton, Bay Campus, 10am

Netball Sketty Lane, Main Hall, 10am

Sailing, Tata Steel Sailing Club, 10am

Tae Kwon Do, Sketty Lane - Pavilion, 10am

Tennis, Outdoor Courts, 10am

Cricket, Ynysygerwn Cricket Club, 10.30am

Golf, Pennard Golf Club, 10.30am

Swimming, National Pool, 10.30am

Freshers' Rugby, Sketty Lane - Rugby 1, 11am

Men's Squash, Tennis Club Squash Courts, 11am

Men's Ultimate Frisbee, Council Pitch 2, 11am

Ladies' Hockey, Sketty Lane - Astro, 12pm

Ladies' Lacrosse, Council Pitch 3, 12pm

Ladies' Ultimate Frisbee, Council Pitch 2, 12pm

Men's Fencing, Sketty Lane - Pavilion, 12pm

Men's Football, Sketty Lane - Main Pitch, 12pm

American Football, Sketty Lane - Rugby 2, 12.30pm

Canoe Polo, National Pool, 12.30pm

Ladies' Basketball, Sketty Lane - Main Hall, 12.30pm

IMG Football, Council Pitch 1, 1pm

Ladies' Rugby, Sketty Lane - Rugby 1, 1pm

Ladies' Volleyball, Bay Campus, 1pm

Ladies' Squash, Tennis Club Squash Courts, 1.30pm

Men's Hockey, Sketty Lane - Astro, 2pm

Men's Lacrosse, Council Pitch 3, 2pm

Staff Netball, Leisure Centre, 2pm

Ladies' Football, Sketty Lane - Main Pitch, 2.30pm

Men's Basketball, Sketty Lane - Main Hall, 2.30pm

Ladies' Fencing, Sketty Lane - Pavilion, 3pm

Men's Volleyball, Bay Campus, 3pm

Staff Football, St Helen's, 3pm