Exclusive: Sussex and Brighton Varsity cancelled for 2018

The Tab Sussex can exclusively reveal that Varsity will not be taking place in 2018. Sussex and Brighton University made national news when violence broke out during the men’s rugby which led to bottles being thrown, pitch invasions, spectators being taken to a hospital, and police attending the scene.

The decision was made after both universities met up several months ago to discuss how they would work together in the upcoming year.

In addition, Sussex campus was temporarily closed off with many of the shops and bars closed and forced to stop selling bottled drinks.

A spokesperson for Brighton Students’ Union commented:

“Brighton Students’ Union are disappointed with the incidents that occurred at Varsity this year and are deeply saddened at the University of Brighton’s decision to cancel Varsity for 2018. 

“However, we are looking forward to working with University of Brighton’s, Sport Brighton, in the future to deliver a competitive sporting event which celebrates the best of both Brighton and Sussex.

“We will always support the successes of our sports teams and look to hold future events which can be enjoyed in a safe and friendly atmosphere.”

Whilst Varsity may be canceled, the Sussex SU have been campaigning to host an alternative event around March/April to celebrate the sporting skills at both universities.

Lucy Williams, activities officer for Sussex Students’ Union commented:

“I’m absolutely gutted that Varsity won’t be going ahead this year following the joint report issued after Varsity by the University of Brighton and the University of Sussex regarding the poor behavior of a small number of spectators.

“I’m disappointed that this has unfairly and harshly punished sports students, it’s hugely disappointing that the people who are penalized aren’t the people who threw the bottles, hurled abuse and ruined what should have been a celebration of the fantastic sporting achievements at Sussex.”

Lucy went on to discuss what will be done with this announcement:

“I’m aware of how many students will feel really hard done by in this situation. I’d also like to take this opportunity to once again recognize that many of our teams made us all so proud in the way they cleared up the trash that some spectators left behind

“I meet with the University and SussexSport regularly to keep the issue of Varsity high up on the agenda since I started last month, while I would personally like to see the Varsity event happen, it is unfortunately out of our control.

“That being said, we’re are currently planning a big sporting event which we hope to take place around March/April. This will never take the place of Varsity, but it is important to me and the Students’ Union that sport is still celebrated at Sussex. I’d love to hear from any students who are wanting to get involved in the planning of this event.  I regularly speak to our fantastic sports reps to see what we can do to entrench the #TeamSussex vibe into our campus.

“I would like to reassure students I am doing everything in my power to ensure that Varsity will take place the following academic this year.”

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