CSM Host 124th Bottle Match as RSM Claim Victory

The historic Bottle Match rivalry returned to Cornwall this weekend for its 124th year, as Camborne School of Mines hosted the Royal School of Mines from Imperial College London in front of a strong home crowd.

The headline rugby fixture saw CSM take on their long-standing rivals in an intense and physical contest at Penryn Rugby Club. Despite a determined performance on home soil, RSM secured a 14–3 victory to claim this year’s Bottle.

With over 1,000 in attendance, the atmosphere on the sidelines provided vocal backing throughout, even after weeks of heavy rainfall had disrupted CSM’s preparations and forced repeated training cancellations in the build-up to the match.

£8,000 Raised for Mental Health Charity

Beyond the result, the 2026 Bottle Match proved a significant fundraising success.

Through their annual charity haircut tradition ahead of the fixture, CSM Rugby raised £8,036 for mental health charity Sport in Mind. The team has built a strong relationship with the organisation in recent years, and the fundraising effort added another positive chapter to the weekend.

Reflecting on the match and the occasion, CSM Rugby Captain Charlie Brice said:

“It was a tough physical match and well fought. If it weren’t for a few silly errors from us, I think the final result may have been different. That being said, I have nothing but pride and praise for my players. Each and every one of them gave their heart and soul and put up a hell of a contest.

Not only was it a team occasion, but also a special occasion for me as captain. Having the honour of leading the boys out with noise from the crowd was incredible, and it wasn’t silent till the sidelines emptied. I really do think that the support we received was like an extra player.

Reminiscing on the game, it’s great that everyone involved can be proud of the performance they gave. I’m already chuckling at the photos emerging where you can clearly see the charity haircuts. To most, it might look like a laugh, but to the boys, it’s a badge of honour, especially having raised just over £8,000 for Sport in Mind.

While it was my last Bottle Match as a player, I have now joined a community that stretches far beyond Cornwall. Now, as a CSM rugby alumnus, I’ll be sure to be back to support the boys next year and in the years to come.”

📷CSM player is tackled while driving forward with the ball.

Students’ Union Praise for CSM Teams

CSM Rugby is one of more than 150 student-led sports clubs and societies managed by Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union. The Students’ Union works alongside these groups to support student wellbeing, build community and create inclusive spaces where students can thrive.

Isabel Brinkley, President Exeter at Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union, said:

“So incredibly proud of our CSM Bottle teams – whilst this may not have been the outcome we all hoped for, they really gave it their all in blood, sweat and tears, and made the whole Cornwall student community very, very proud. The Bottle will be ours once again soon!”

Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union is a membership-led charity representing students from Falmouth University and the University of Exeter. It supports over 150 student-led societies and sports clubs and reinvests all resources into services and opportunities that benefit students.

A Rivalry Dating Back to 1902

Founded in 1902, the Bottle Match is the second oldest rugby varsity fixture in the world, second only to the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. The 2026 contest marked the 124th year of the competition.

What began as a single rugby fixture has grown into a full weekend of competitive sport, including tennis, squash, hockey, football, netball and badminton.

The trophy itself is one of the most distinctive in university sport, a three-foot-tall tin beer bottle bearing the crests of both institutions.

Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union thanked Penryn Rugby Football Club, Falmouth Sports Club and Falmouth School for hosting fixtures across the weekend, as well as the students from the Royal School of Mines for travelling to Cornwall.

The rivalry will continue in 2027 when the fixture returns to London, with CSM already looking ahead to another shot at the Bottle.

For more information about the Bottle Match, visit the Students’ Union website here and find out more about Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union here.

📷CSM Rugby (wearing blue and white) lined up alongside RSM Rugby team.