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The Colours Match (Irish: Cluiche na nDathanna) is an annual rugby union fixture between Trinity College Dublin (Dublin University Football Club) and University College Dublin (University College Dublin R.F.C.). Rugby matches between UCD RFC and DUFC predate the inauguration of "The Colours Match". Their first meeting took place at Terenure on 18 October 1919, won by Trinity.

Background

Between 1919 and 1952 "friendly" matches took place annually between the clubs on a home and away basis. There were also memorable encounters between UCD and TCD in the Leinster Senior Cup when the draw brought the sides together.

Following the Senior Cup win of UCD over DUFC in 1948 by a dropped goal to nil, the idea of a Colours match was discussed between Harry Thrift of Trinity and Sarsfield Hogan of UCD, who had served together on the International Rugby Board, on which basis each University club would award Colours for the season. Lengthy negotiations ensued and with the cooperation of the IRFU committee and of the Lansdowne and Wanderers RFCs a scheme for an annual Colours match was finally agreed.

The two Universities would play once a year in December. Each University would act as the host in turn and be responsible for the management of the match and for the entertainment. The host University, after consultation with the other side, would invite the referee for the match. A formal teams' dinner would be held after the match.

It was envisaged that the match would be played on a Saturday. Increasing numbers of representative matches and the limited number of Saturdays on which Lansdowne Road was available led to pressure to change the match from Saturdays to a mid-week date.

History

The Colours Match was inaugurated on 13 December 1952 at Lansdowne Road with the first title taken by UCD Trinity gained their first win in 1954 and the first drawn match came in 1955. The first 26 matches and the 35th to 38th matches were held at Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin. The 27th to 33rd fixtures and the 39th through 60th matches were played at Donnybrook Rugby Ground, the traditional home of the Leinster rugby union team. The 61st 63rd, 65th and 67th encounters took place at the UCD Bowl, Belfield, the 62nd match at Donnybrook Rugby Ground and the 64th, 66th and 68th editions in College Park Rugby Ground, Trinity College.

Trophy

A trophy, The Colours Cup, presented to the winner of the annual Colours Match, was inaugurated in 2002 to mark the Golden Jubilee of the first Colours Match in December 1962. It was first presented to the winners of the 51st Colours Match, UCD, in November 2002. The cup is in the form of a claret jug.

Trinity College are the current holders beating University College by 22 points to 13 points on 30 March 2024 at College Park, Trinity College Dublin.

Other editions

Colours Matches are also played between Trinity and UCD in women's rugby union and other sports, such as association football, Gaelic football, hurling, swimming, boxing, water polo, field hockey, golf, sailing, tennis, and fencing.

Famous participants

• Dick Spring Politician Trinity College
• Peter Sutherland Chairman BP University College
• Brian O'Driscoll Ireland Captain University College
• Jamie Heaslip Ireland Captain Trinity College
• Paddy Johns Ireland Captain Trinity College

Results

1950s

• Acting Captain

1960s

• Acting Captain

1970s

• Acting Captain

1980s

• Acting Captain

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

By total wins

References

1. ^ GPS (Sarsfield) Hogan, The Dublin Intervarsity Saga, The 50th Anniversary Programme, UCD RFC
2. ^ JC Conroy, Colours History, the 1974 Colours Match Programme, UCD RFC
3. ^ Peter Clarke (2002) UCD RFC and Dublin University FC: Colours and all!, The Colours Match Programme 2002/03
4. Peter Clarke & Susan Clarke: Down Through The Years UCD RFC
5. Colours Rugby match a big success, Irish Times, 15 December 1952, page 2; Forward mastery gave U.C.D. good win, Sunday Independent, 14 December 1952, page 10
6. U.C.D. won thrilling "Colours" game, Tector inspired vain Trinity rally, Sunday Independent, 6 December 1953, page 10; Grand rugby by the Universities, Irish Times, 7 December 1953, page 2
7. U.C.D. fell for old trick, Trinity won 11-6, Sunday Independent, 5 December 1954, page 17; Trinity make better use of wind, Irish Times, 6 December 1954, page 2
8. Plenty to cheer about in Colours game, Sunday Independent, 4 December 1955, page 17
9. Wingers won Colours game, Sunday Independent, 2 December 1956, page 17; U.C.D. beat Trinity at Lansdowne Road: Injury to P. Sang spoils good game, Irish Times, 3 December 1956, page 2
10. Penalty goal won for U.C.D., Irish Independent, 9 December 1957, page 12; U.C.D. survived in a fine finish, Irish Times, 7 December 1958, page 2
11. "Play up, Trinity" — and they did, Sunday Independent, 7 December 1958, page 8; Vigorous rugby by students, Irish Times,8 December 1958, page 2
12. Fireworks on and off as Trinity win, Sunday Independent, 6 December 1959, page 17; Forwards paved way for Trinity win, Irish Times, 7 December 1959, page 2
13. U.C.D. forwards paved way, Sunday Independent, 4 December 1960, page 13; U.C.D. impress in Colours match, Irish Times, 5 December 1960, page 2
14. U.C.D. survive great rally in Colours, Sunday Independent, 3 December 1961, page 15; Trinity needed place kicker, Irish Times, 4 December 1961, page 4
15. U.C.D. colours fly high, Sunday Independent, 25 November 1962, page 13; Colors rugby: Murray paved way to U.C.D.'s victory, Irish Times, 26 November 1962, page 3
16. Trinity get there in a thriller - Read drops a picture goal - Fine U.C.D. rally just failed, Sunday Independent, 15 December 1963, page 14; Rugby Colours match: U.C.D. overcome by Trinity fire, Irish Times, 16 December 1963, page 3
17. Murray the star of convincing U.C.D. victory, Sunday Independent, 29 November 1964, page 15; Rugby Colours game: U.C.D. hard-pressed to beat Trinity, Irish Times, 30 November 1964, page 3
18. U.C.D.'s biggest win — 'Colours' win lacked colour, Sunday Independent, 28 November 1965, page 15; Rugby Colours match: Half-backs proved U.C.D.'s aces, Irish Times, 29 November 1965, page 3
19. Honours for U.C.D. - Hickie's scores were decisive in 'Colours' game - Bresnihan in top form at centre, Irish Independent, 1 December 1966, page 12; Rugby Colours match: U.C.D. prove too well equipped for Trinity, Irish Times, 1 December 1966, page 3
20. Trinity win thrilling 'Colours' match, Irish Independent, 30 November 1967, page 14; Rugby Colours match: Trinity beat U.C.D. in outstanding game - McCombe's drop-kick a winner, Irish Times, 30 November 1967, page 3
21. Eight point McCombe is the Trinity hero - 'Music loving' referee spoils Colours game, Irish Independent, 5 December 1968, page 12; McCombe again the match-winner for Trinity, Irish Times,5 December 1968, page 4
22. Colours match: Trinity thwarted in treble bid, Irish Independent, 4 December 1969, page 18; U.C.D. masters of vigorous encounter, Irish Times, 4 December 1969, page 3
23. U.C.D. retain Colours title-Just, Irish Independent, 3 December 1970, page 14; U.C.D. fail to make use of their talent, Irish Times, 3 December 1970, page 3
24. Grace, U.C.D. hero in 'colors' win, Irish Independent, 2 December 1971, page 13; Rugby Colours match: Grace's try made a U.C.D. win certain, Irish Times, 2 December 1971, page 4
25. Fourth consecutive win for U.C.D., Irish Independent, 7 December 1972, page 17; Rugby Colours match: Little sparkle as U.C.D. rout Trinity, Irish Times, 7 December 1972, page 3
26. Robbie spearheads sparkling Trinity, Irish Press, 6 December 1973, page 20; Colours victory for fiery Trinity, Irish Independent, 6 December 1973, page 20; Rugby Colours match: Trinity hold off U.C.D. in stirring game, Irish Times, 6 December 1973, page 3
27. Easy! easy! for rampant U.C.D., Irish Independent, 5 December 1974, page 14; Superior U.C.D. set Colours record, Irish Press, 5 December 1974, page 16; Rugby Colours match: Individual glory for Sparks as records fly, Irish Times, 5 December 1974, page 3
28. Trinity rally to hoist colours, Irish Press 27 November 1975, page 14; Agnew boots Trinity home, Irish Independent, 27 November 1975, page 10; Rugby Colours match: Agnew's kicking decisive as Trinity romp home, Irish Times, 27 November 1975, page 3
29. Kelly inspires U.C.D. 'Trojans', Irish Independent, 2 December 1976, page 11; U.C.D. dedication proves too much for Trinity, Irish Times, 2 December 1976, page 3
30. Tattered Colours a sad spectacle, Irish Press, 1 December 1977, page 16; Trinity tops on day of disgrace, Irish Independent, 1 December 1977, page 16; Rugby Colours' match: Trinity triumph marred by ugly incidents, Irish Times, 1 December 1977, page 3
31. Trinity has edge in 'Battle' of the Boot, Irish Independent, 7 December 1978, page 15; Trinity win keen but fair contest, Irish Press, 7 December 1978, page 18; Disciplined contest sees Trinity gain 10th victory, Irish Times, 7 December 1978, page 3
32. Trinity triumph in scrappy tie, Irish Independent, 29 November 1979, page 16; Rugby Colours match: Trinity achieve hat-trick in uninspiring contest, Irish Times, 29 November 1979, page 3
33. Rugby...The Colours Match: Little to cheer in Colours clash, Irish Press, 27 November 1980, page 11; Dead-eye Dilger!, Irish Independent, 27 November 1980, page 15; Trinity kick way to record, Irish Times 27 November 1970, page 3
34. U.C.D. foiled by MacNeill - Colours Rugby, Irish Independent, 3 December 1981, page 12; Rugby Colours match report: Trinity almost snatch victory in last moment, Irish Times, 3 December 1981, page 3
35. Try tips balance for U.C.D., Irish Independent, 2 December 1982, page 12; Rugby: McGrath try aptly ensures UCD victory, Irish Times, 2 December 1982, page 3
36. Colours rugby: Trinity pay price for early caution, Irish Independent, 8 December 1983, page 15; Great effort but little skill as UCD triumph, Irish Times 8 December 1983, page 3
37. Varsity rugby: Mullin places his imprint on excellent Colours game, Irish Independent, 6 December 1984, page 13; Rugby: Dudley Cup - Trinity tries overturn UCD's early dominance, Irish Times 6 December 1984, page 3
38. Misses cost Trinity dear, Irish Press, 5 December 1985, page 13; U.C.D. has aces in their pack, Irish Independent, 5 December 1985, page 13; Rugby Colours match: UCD's lively pack end Trinity hopes, Irish Times, 5 December 1985, page 3
39. Colours rugby: Trinity pack take the kudos, Irish Independent, 4 December 1986, page 11; Little colour as Trinity power in, Irish Press, 4 December 1986, page 11; Rugby annual Colours match: Trinity's forward play decisive, Irish Times
40. No colour as trivial Trinity get a lesson, Irish Independent, 3 December 1987, page 13; Trinity and fans pay penalty, Irish Press, 3 December 1987, page 11; UCD defy all the odds for deserved win, Irish Times, 3 December 1987, page 3
41. Even Trinity spirit fails to lift gloom, Irish Times, 8 December 1988, page 2; Treacy try takes it for Trinity, Irish Independent, 8 December 1988, page 14; Dull 'Colours' a total bore!, Irish Press, 8 December 1988, page 33
42. Colleges fixture lacks colour, Irish Press, 7 December 1989, page 35; Super sub Shane gets votal penalty, Irish Independent, 7 December 1989, page 16; Little colour in penalty stalemate, Irish Times, 7 December 1989, page 5
43. Colours joy for Trinity, Irish Press, 26 November 1990, page 35; Sports Round-up: Leinster Senior League Dudley Cup, Donnybrook, Irish Times, 26 November 1990, page20; Trinity Tigers blitz away cold hearts, Irish Independent, 26 November 1990, page 28
44. Harvey inspired late choice: Kicks UCD to Colours success, Irish Independent, 2 December 1991, page 28; Harvey's boot decides 'Colours' clash, Irish Press, 2 December 1991, page 27
45. The Pryce is right on in Colours!, Irish Press, 14 December 1992, page 38; Supersub Pryce times it just right for UCD, Irish Independent, 14 December 1992, page 32
46. Colours 'hat-trick' for UCD men, Irish Press, 13 December 1993, page 42; Mud, glorious mud for Donovan, Irish Independent, 13 December 1993, Sport page 8
47. UCD off colour as Browne seals it, Irish Independent, 19 December 1994, Sport page 8; Trinity steal honours with late try, Irish Press, 19 December 1994, page 40
48. Trinity's late show, Irish Independent, 14 December 1995, Sport 1, page 15; Trinity time it right to record their 18th win, Irish Times, 14 December 1995, Sport page A7
49. UCD colours to the fore, Irish Independent, 30 November 1996, page 24; Trinity are stunned by Ormond's late penalty, Irish Times, 30 November 1996, Sport page A2
50. UCD on top in quality affair, Irish Independent, 28 March 1998, page 16; Slick UCD win Colours with plenty to spare, Irish Times, 28 March 1998, Sport page B2
51. Scally the ace in UCD Colours win, Irish Independent, 11 February 1999, page 20; O'Driscoll inspirational as UCD run out winners, Irish Times, 11 February 1999, Sport page 23
52. Wallace leads College home, Irish Independent, 17 November 1999, page 22; Rugby Colours match: Wallace has major say, Irish Times, 17 November 1999, Sport page 22
53. Colours Match: Trinity fade out early in Match, Irish Times, 25 January 2001, page 25; Colours match: Off colour Trinity swamped, Irish Independent, 25 January 2001, Sport page 19; Rampant UCD show true colours, Irish Examiner, 25 January 2001, page 22
54. UCD display flyiong colours, Irish Independent, 21 November 2001, Sport page 21; Trinity fail again, Irish Times, 21 November 2001, page 26; UCD pushed all the way by Trinity, Irish Examiner, 21 November 2001, page 27
55. UCD see off Trinity, Irish Examiner, 9 November 2002, Sport page 29; Universities/Colours match: UCD show true colours in comeback, Irish Times, 9 November 2002, Sport page A2; Seven up for UCD, Irish Independent, 9 November 2002, page 16
56. Rugby Colours match: UCD's status stands to them, Irish Times, 18 December 2003, page 23; College continue Colours dominance, Irish Independent, 18 December 2003, page 27; UCD spoil Dublin University bikrthday party, Irish Examiner, 18 December 2003, page 25
57. UCD hit top spot, Irish Independent, 20 November 2004, Sport page 21; Colours match: UCD just hold on to bragging rights, Irish Times, 20 November 2004, Sport page A2
58. Blue is the colour as UCD triumph, Irish Independent, 12 November 2005, Sport page 9; All-Ireland League Colours match: UCD sail on to comfortable win, Irish Times, 12 November 2005, Sport page A4; UCD win with flying colours, Irish Examiner, 12 November 2005, Sport page 23
59. Rugby Colours match: Trinity finally break their 10-year UCD hoodoo, Irish Times, 18 November 2006, page A5
60. Rugby: Colours Match, Donnybrook,Irish Times, 7 March 2008, page 21
61. Hanratty makes an impact, Irish Times, 15 November 2008, page A9; Jebb the hero of the hour, Trinity News. Vol 55, Issue 5, 25 November 2008, Sport page 23; UCD Sport News, 57th Rugby Colours, 17 November 2008, http://www.ucd.ie/sport/news_171108rugbycolours0809.html; Digest-Rugby: Colours game, at Donnybrook, Irish Examiner, 15 November 2008, page 24
62. Rugby Colours match: UCD are quick out of the blocks and ease to the finish line, Irish Times, 5 March 2010, page 21; UCD secure bragging rights, Irish Independent, 5 March 2010, Sport page 9
63. Trinity pile on title woe for rivals, Irish Independent, 18 April 2011, Sport page 21; Happy Colours, Irish Times, 18 April 2011, page 31
64. UCD's second-half show swings it, Irish Times, 19 November 2011, Sport page A4; Earls earns UCD bragging rights, Irish Independent, 19 November 2011, Sport page 12
65. Factfile: Rugby-Division 1B, Belfield, Irish Independent, 23 February 2013, Sport page 53; Ulster Bank League Division 1B: Impressive UCD gain their revenge with clinical Colours contest, Irish Times, 23 February 2013, Sport page A4; UCD light up Belfield with Colours triumph, IRFU News, 23 February 2013, http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/ulsterbankleagueandcup/28303.php; UCD defeat rivals Dublin University in Colours match, Circul8, 22 February 2013, http://circul8.org/ucd-defeat-rivals-dublin-university-in-colours-match/
66. Rugby Colours match: Stirring Trinity performance fails to yield dividends as UCD prevail, Irish Times, 8 March 2014, Sport page A5; Trinity lose out narrowly in annual Colours match, Trinity News, 10 March 2014, http://trinitynews.ie/trinity-lose-out-narrowly-in-annual-colours-match/
67. Colours honours on the line for UCD and Trinity, IRFU News, 16 April 2015, http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34346.php#.VvabJuKLRD8; Late UCD comeback retains rugby colours to Trinity despair, College Tribune, 18 April 2015, http://collegetribune.ie/late-ucd-comeback-retains-rugby-colours-to-trinity-despair/
68. Ryan seals Trinity win, Irish Independent, 25 March 2016, http://dairewalsh.com/?p=4749; Trinity win Colours!; DUFC News, 25 March 2016, http://dufc.ie/trinity-win-colours/; Trinity oversome UCD in hard fought Colours encounter, Trinity News, 25 March 2016, http://trinitynews.ie/?s=Rugby+Colours+2015; DUFC Men's clinch Colours victory, University Times, 23 March 2016, http://www.universitytimes.ie/2016/03/dufc-mens-clinch-colours-victory/
69. DUFC lose to UCD 32–19 hours before Trinity Ball,University Times, 9 April 2017, http://www.universitytimes.ie/2017/04/dufc-lose-to-ucd-32-19-hours-before-trinity-ball/; 65th Annual Colours Match: UCD v Dublin University: UCD hold off second-half surge to win with flying colours — Dublin University unable to climb mountain in 65th Annual Colours Match, The Irish Times (on-line), 7 April 2017, http://dairewalsh.com/?p=5931; Match Report: UCD regain colours trophy with four-try win, http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/39448.php
70. Trinity victory secures place in top division, AIL 1A, Irish Examiner, 6 April 2018, Friday Sport, page 6
71. Russell and Sheehan touch down as Trinity retain Colours title, by Daire Walsh, 4 April 2019, Energia AIL, https://www.irishrugby.ie/2019/04/04/trinity-finish-on-top-after-tight-colours-contest-with-ucd/; The University Times, DUFC on fire in historic Colours triumph, 5 April 2019, http://www.universitytimes.ie/2019/04/dufc-on-fire-in-historic-colours-win-over-ucd/
72. O'Reilly try inspires memorable Colours triumph for Trinity, 1 April 2022, https://www.irishrugby.ie/2022/04/01/oreilly-try-inspires-memorable-colours-triumph-for-trinity/

• College sports rivalries
• Rugby union competitions in Ireland
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• Dublin University Football Club
• University College Dublin R.F.C.
• Recurring sporting events established in 1952
• Rugby union rivalries in Ireland
• 1952 establishments in Ireland
• University and college rugby union competitions
• Sports competitions at Irish universities