Scottish sporting legends fly the flag for their unis

Scotland caps John Beattie, Pat Nevin, and Lynne Beattie came together this week to launch Scotland’s largest inter-varsity tournament, the Glasgow Taxis Cup.

The internationals were Clydeside to show their support for their Alma Matres in the competition which has featured each of their sports – rugby, football, and volleyball – since its inception in 2005.

The full-day event on Wednesday 23 March will see more than 700 students across 16 sports represent Glasgow, Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian universities as the institutions fight to be the city’s best.

This year’s competition will also feature athletics, badminton, basketball, curling, equestrian, fencing, golf, hockey, netball, snowsports, swimming, tennis, and trampolining at sporting venues across the city. Points are allocated to the winner of individual events in order to decide the victorious university.

University of Glasgow Civil Engineering graduate John Beattie talks the talk on his BBC Radio Scotland show every weekday and is confident that Glasgow can walk the walk on the big day.

“Glasgow have been victorious for the past few years and I believe they can do it again this year,” the former rugby star commented. “Given my background, I will be looking out for the rugby results but I think it’s fantastic to see competition in such a variety of sports.”

Former Chelsea and Scotland footballer, Pat Nevin, is hopeful that Glasgow Caledonian University can upset the odds and lift the trophy for the first time.

“I’ll be backing blue on the day,” said the Match of the Day pundit, who studied for a degree in Commerce at one of GCU’s founding institutions. “If the Caledonian athletes need inspiration then they just need to look at Leicester City to see a real life underdog story.

“It’s a great opportunity for the student athletes to renew their city rivalries while experiencing a big competition. Best of luck to everyone competing but I’ll be looking for blue ribbons on the cup.”

Lynne Beattie has experience of multi-sport tournaments from her time as captain of the Great Britain Olympic volleyball team at London 2012.

“The atmosphere was incredible in London,” said the Strathclyde Pharmacy graduate, “the support of the home crowd is something I won’t ever forget.

“I hope lots of Strathclyders turn out to cheer on their team as it really does make a difference and it would be great to see them win it back from Glasgow this year.”

The Glasgow Taxis Cup is now in its twelfth year with Glasgow having won the competition seven times and Strathclyde with four victories. Much of the action will take place at the Emirates Arena, with Scotstoun Stadium, Stepps Playing Fields, and Garscube Sports Complex among the other locations.

Long-time headline sponsor Glasgow Taxis Ltd put pen to paper on a three year deal, which will see their support continue until at least 2018.