Both were founded more than 800 years ago, and between them they have produced a large number of Britain's most prominent scientists, writers, and politicians, as well as noted figures in many other fields.
First contested in 1829, the race pits Cambridge University Boat Club against their Oxford counterparts over a four-mile (6 km) stretch of the River Thames.
The Rugby Football Union chose to advertise the 2006 match with a campaign promoting inter-university rivalry: their advertising agency Lowe London produced posters showing the number of Prime Ministers produced by the universities (Oxford 26 – Cambridge 14), with the tagline "It's time to get even".
Whilst not having the history of its Union counterpart, the fixture has been contested for over 30 years, and is broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Arrangements between sister colleges vary, but may include reciprocal offers of accommodation to students from the other university when they are visiting.
Concerns are often raised that Oxford and Cambridge do not project a socially inclusive image to potential applicants from state schools, and thus Oxbridge students are disproportionately from wealthy backgrounds.
[9] The two universities have made individual and combined efforts in recent years to promote themselves to potential applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds.