The annual fixture brings together two clubs close to Ian’s heart, giving teammates, friends, family and supporters the opportunity to celebrate his life and support The Ian Williams Foundation.
Following last year’s match at the Richmond Athletic Ground, Oxford will host this year’s occasion. We would love to see members of the Richmond family make the trip to cheer on the Vikings and remember someone who meant so much to both clubs.

Remembering Ian
Ian Williams was a talented tighthead prop and a much-loved figure on and off the pitch.
Having played mini rugby at Havant RFC and youth rugby at London Welsh, Ian joined Richmond’s U21s before going on to represent our 1st XV and the Heavies. While studying at Swansea University, he played in three Welsh Varsity matches, before earning three winning Blues for Oxford in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Ian tragically passed away in February 2018, aged just 27, after suffering a cardiac arrest at training with Doncaster Knights. He is the much-loved son of Phil “Tonka” Williams and Pippa, and younger brother to Helen.

The Williams family have been part of Richmond life for over half a century. This fixture is a special opportunity to come together in Ian’s memory and celebrate the friendships he made through rugby.

Join Us at Iffley Road
Supporters can enjoy an afternoon of rugby, with drinks available from the Pavilion Bar and student-run Drunken Ferret, alongside food trucks serving burgers, loaded fries and freshly made doughnuts.

Match details:
• Fixture: Oxford University Men’s Blues v Richmond Vikings
• Date: Saturday 24th October
• Kick-off: 2pm
• Venue: Oxford University Rugby Football Club, Iffley Road, Oxford

Match tickets:
• Adults: £6
• Concessions: £4
• Under-18s: Free
• Students: £1 with a valid student ID, using code STUDENTS1 at checkout

£1 from every match ticket sold will be donated to The Ian Williams Foundation.
Book your match tickets HERE.

Pre-Match Lunch
For those looking to make a day of it, Oxford are also hosting a pre-match lunch in the Pavilion.

Tickets cost £30 per person, including a two-course lunch, a drink of your choice from the Pavilion Bar and entry to the match. Please arrive from 12.30pm, ready to be seated for lunch at 1pm.
Buy tickets to the pre-match lunch HERE

The Ian Williams Foundation
Established by Ian’s family, The Ian Williams Foundation works to safeguard the heart of sport through cardiac screening, supporting conversations around mental health and helping people access opportunities to play.
Find out more about The Ian Williams Foundation.

We hope you can join us in Oxford to support the Vikings, raise a glass and celebrate Ian’s life.