Varsity 2026

In front of an 11,000 strong crowd at a sold-out AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds Beckett’s Rugby Union first team delivered once again with a 42-5 win over their rivals to lift the trophy in a dominant finale display.

The final score of 108–81 meant Leeds Beckett fell just four fixtures short of victory in one of the closest Varsity battles to date, with Leeds Beckett finishing with 25 wins, 6 draws, and 32 losses.

The three-day event was driven by an electric community atmosphere, kicking off with a sold-out opening night. The netball and basketball fixtures both drew crowds of over 750, with packed stands and thousands more turning out across the three days of competition.

Across the board, there was plenty to celebrate. The tennis team stayed untouchable, winning every fixture and dropping just one rubber to extend their unbeaten run – now stretching back over a decade. Athletics, Men’s Rugby Union and Rugby League also went unbeaten, with strong performances flying the flag for team purple.

It was an LBU Varsity defined by support, community spirit and a crowd that showed up for every moment.