The Varsity

First held in 1878 and modeled after the historic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, The Varsity is an annual competition between Dutch student rowing societies. It’s among the Netherlands’ oldest and most important sporting traditions and has become one of the rowing world’s most prestigious events, spawning some of the sport’s greatest and most eccentric traditions. The 138th Varsity was held earlier this month; congratulations to A.S.R. Nereus, who won both the women’s and men’s race.

The Varsity is held each spring on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal in Houten and is made up of multiple races in several classes; the main event, however, is the “Oude Vier” (“Senior Four”), which pits the top four rowers from each club against each other. The winning crew is met in the water by gleeful supporters swimming in nothing but neckties and (maybe) underwear; their clothes thus remain dry for the evening’s kroegjool, a massive celebration in the winning club’s hometown.

We’re proud to have collaborated with the organizers of this prestigious event; our heavyweight 100% cotton Varsity Rugby Overshirt is knit in the traditional 12-gauge style and features The Varsity’s historic Jutphaas emblem embroidered in satin stitch on the left chest. Shop The Varsity Rugby Overshirt at rowingblazers.com.