The colours match is an annual Rugby Union fixture between local rivals Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, the fixture was inaugurated in 1952 and this year marks the 70th edition of the men’s rugby colours match. The women’s fixture is due to take place on Wednesday, 27th March from 7:30pm while the men’s fixture will take place on Saturday, 30th March from 5.30pm (see below for full schedule). Trinity Men’s rugby team are looking to regain the Colours title following last year’s defeat at the UCD Bowl while Trinity women’s rugby team are looking for their first title.
Colours ‘Festival of Rugby’ 2024 schedule:
Junior Colours match
Dublin University F.C. Vs University College Dublin R.F.C.
Tuesday 26th March at 7:30pm
College Park
Trinity Alumni Inspiring Ideas Webinar with Joe McCarthy and Ryan Baird
Wednesday, 27th March 2024 at 1pm via Zoom
Following their Six Nations Championship win with the Irish Rugby Senior squad, join Trinity Sport Scholarship students Joe McCarthy and Ryan Baird for the Trinity Alumni Inspiring Ideas Webinar on Wednesday, 27th March from 1pm - 2pm as they chat about their incredible year playing with Irish Rugby from the World Cup to a Six Nations Championship win! Don’t miss it, register HERE.
Women’s Rugby Colours
Dublin University F.C. Vs University College Dublin R.F.C.
Wednesday, 27th March at 7:30pm
College Park
Men’s Rugby Colours
Dublin University F.C. Vs University College Dublin R.F.C.
Saturday, 30th March at 5:30pm
College Park
Moira Flahive President of DUFC (Dublin University Football Club) commented, “This is the 70th edition of the men’s colours rugby match, it has been going for a long time and there is a tremendous rivalry between the two major universities in Dublin. We hope that everyone in attendance enjoys the friendly rivalry and camaraderie we share with UCD.”
David Coen, UCD Rugby Club President added, “The colours rugby match is undoubtedly the highlight of the players season, it’s one of the unique things about being a university student and playing rugby in a university. We are looking forward to attending the historic setting of College Park for both the women’s and men’s fixtures next week.”
Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity, Trinity College Dublin commented, “Trinity College Dublin is extremely honored to host this year’s “Colours Festival of Rugby” which promises to be an exciting week of activities and celebrations. Our teams will be out to perform their best on our home pitch at College Park.”
Jillian O'Toole, the captain of the Trinity women's rugby team, is excited for the rugby colours clash with UCD “I'm most looking forward to the atmosphere, especially as we are playing in College Park! The team have come on leaps and bounds since the start of the season, and although we were training towards a Leinster League match each week, we all had colours in the backs of our minds. A seventy-year rivalry against UCD is always going to bring out the most competitive side of everyone.”
O’Toole continued, “Playing on College Park adds an extra spark to every match, but particularly to Colours. It feels like true home advantage when we can play on the pitch where we put in hours of training together; where most of us meet for the first time; and where, as many will testify to, you make some of your best friends for life.”
O’Toole expects to have home advantage and is hoping to come out on top this year, “It would feel great! Obviously for the bragging rights, but it would be great to do it for the coaches after all the time and effort they have put in this year, and for Moira and the club who have given us their full support throughout the season.” If the women's club comes out with a win, it would be the first in their history, and they are hoping to do that.
We encourage students, staff, and alumni to come out and support both Trinity Teams in what will no doubt be hotly contested matches.