The New Varsity Blues

As the historic Varsity Matches between Cambridge and Oxford Universities draw near, two new faces at Cambridge University Rugby Club (CURUFC) are preparing for the biggest game of their student sporting careers.

Ryan Santos, who has represented the USA Rugby Sevens team on the HSBC World Series and competed for Team USA at the 2023 Pan American Games, and Caragh Haspel, a dual-sport athlete balancing both rugby and hockey, are hoping to take to the pitch on Saturday 8th March at Stone X Stadium.

Their journeys to Cambridge rugby highlight not only the excitement of The Varsity Matches but also the transformative power of sport in student life.

The Varsity Matches take place on Saturday 8th March at StoneX Stadium.
Secure your place in the stands here.

From Olympic dreams to Cambridge Blues

For Ryan Santos, playing in a Varsity match is the realisation of a long-held dream. Raised in the Philippines, Ryan has had an impressive rugby career, captaining Harvard University’s team during his undergraduate years before earning a spot on the USA Rugby Sevens shortlist for the Paris 2024 Olympics. After narrowly missing out on the final squad, he decided to join Jesus College and pursue a Master’s in Management at Cambridge’s Judge Business School while continuing his rugby ambitions.

“I’ve known about Varsity since I was a kid because my dad played rugby at Oxford,” Ryan says. “Growing up, I heard all these stories about Twickenham, the big occasion, and what it meant to play in a match like this. It’s surreal to now have the opportunity to do it myself.”

Ryan, bottom right, pictured on the rugby pitch during his childhood in the Philippines

Ryan, bottom right, pictured on the rugby pitch during his childhood in the Philippines

Despite the rigorous demands of his studies, Ryan thrives in the busy environment. “It’s a balancing act, but I’ve always been the kind of person who enjoys different stimulations—academics, sport, social life. Cambridge provides the perfect mix,” he explains.

With his eyes set on making the USA Sevens squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Ryan sees his time at Cambridge as an opportunity to keep competing at a high level while experiencing the unique culture of university rugby. "One of the reasons I came to Cambridge was because the standard of rugby is high and I want to go back and trial for the next Olympics."

Ryan Santos

Caragh Haspel

A dual-sport athlete taking on the challenge

While Ryan brings experience from the international stage, Caragh Haspel has taken a different route into the sport. A second-year engineering student at Girton College, Caragh originally came to Cambridge as a hockey player but soon found herself drawn to rugby.

“I actually still play both sports,” she laughs. “Last year, I played in the hockey Varsity match, and this year, I’m hoping to play in both the hockey and rugby Varsity matches—on back-to-back days!”

Juggling two Blues sports while managing the demands of an engineering degree is no small feat. “Sometimes it gets really busy,” she admits. “But in a way, sport actually helps me be more productive. I know I have training, so I plan my time carefully. It’s also a great outlet—it gives me a chance to step away from work, see my friends, and have fun.”

Caragh wearing the number 12 jersey

Caragh wearing the number 12 jersey

Caragh only started playing rugby seriously last year but has quickly risen through the ranks, now competing for a place in the women's starting XV for the Varsity match.

“Women’s rugby at Cambridge is one of the easiest sports to join because so many players are new to it. The team is so welcoming, and there’s a real community feel,” she says. “It’s a sport that’s pushed me to develop my skills and confidence in a new way.”

The Varsity Matches: A battle like no other

The matches are one of the most prestigious fixtures in university sport, with a rivalry dating back to 1872. Last year, both the men’s and women’s Cambridge teams secured dominant victories over Oxford and this year, Ryan and Caragh are determined to help secure another double win.

“For me, it’s not just about playing in the match. The goal is to win—and to win big. Last year was the largest winning margin in the men's Varsity history, and we want to replicate that.”
- Ryan Santos

Caragh, whose team has faced a challenging season, remains optimistic about their chances. “We’ve had a lot of injuries and a very new team, but we’ve been improving. Anything can happen on the day, and we’ll be giving it everything we’ve got.”

More than just a game

Beyond the thrill of competition, both Ryan and Caragh highlight the wider benefits of playing sport at Cambridge. “The rugby team gave me an instant community,” Ryan says. “It’s an inclusive environment where everyone helps each other—not just on the pitch, but with things like navigating university life, finding the best coffee spots, or even buying a bike.”

For Caragh, sport has been essential in making the most of her Cambridge experience. “It’s so easy to get caught up in work here, but sport gives you a healthy balance. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about friendships, mental well-being, and having something to look forward to every day.”

The Varsity Matches take place on Saturday 8th March at StoneX Stadium.
Secure your place in the stands here.

A bright future for Cambridge University Rugby Club

As the Club looks ahead to Varsity, it’s also preparing for an exciting transformation. A new fundraising campaign aims to redevelop the facilities at Grange Road, replacing the current pitch with a floodlit, World Rugby Compliant 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP) that will dramatically increase the club’s training hours and accessibility.

The current natural grass pitch only allows for 10 hours use a week, the new AGP will allow up to a total of 89 hours per week, opening up the city centre ground for more University and College sports teams, as well as community use.

A computer generated visualisation of the new development. Credit: bb + c architects

A computer generated visualisation of the new development. Credit: bb + c architects

“The current pitch can be tough in the winter—it freezes over, and we often have to train on the back pitches,” Ryan explains. “A new surface would be a game-changer for the club.”

Caragh agrees, noting that travelling from Girton to alternative training venues can be challenging. “If we had an all-weather pitch, it would make such a difference to both training and match quality.”

For more information and to support the Grange Road redevelopment project, visit: https://www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/give-to-cambridge/grange-road-ground

Support our Light Blues

With the Varsity matches fast approaching, Ryan and Caragh are calling on fellow students, alumni, and supporters to get behind Cambridge. “It’s going to be an incredible day,” says Ryan. “If you’ve never been to a Varsity match before, this is the year to come.”

Caragh adds, “The atmosphere is amazing. Whether you’re a rugby fan or just want to support Cambridge, it’s an experience not to be missed.”

The Varsity Matches take place on Saturday 8th March at StoneX Stadium in London.

Women's KO 12noon. Men's KO 3pm.
Dedicated coaches are running between Cambridge and Stone X throughout the day.

Come and cheer on Cambridge as they take on Oxford in one of the world's major sporting rivalries.

Secure your place in the stands here .

The text in this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.