Sussex Varsity could return next year

The University of Sussex has voted in favour of reinstating Sussex/Brighton Varsity next year after this year's event was cancelled.

Varsity was cancelled this year after Sussex and Brighton University made national news when violence broke out during the mens rugby match at last year's event. The decision was made by both universities after pitches were invaded, bottles were thrown, spectators were hospitalised and the police were called to the scene to disperse the riots.

The Sussex Cup acted as a replacement event, organised by Lucy Williams, activities officer at Sussex University. She hoped it would be an event that would "welcome back some familiar faces and have some well mannered fun" whilst ensuring that "sport is still celebrated at Sussex".

Today, Lucy Williams announced that the University of Sussex management team has agreed to the Union beginning to look into Varsity 2019. This is conditional to Brighton University agreeing to be part of the event (as without them, there can be no Varsity).

Lucy told The Tab Sussex that she is "absolutely buzzing that the University of Sussex management have given their blessing for us to start the planning process of Varsity for 2019."

However, if Varsity does return, it will undoubtedly be under a new format, possibly looking at the model that Nottingham and Nottingham Trent use, whereby fixtures are spread over the course of a few weeks.