Isabella Capital Management announced as Headline Sponsor for the 2026 rugby Varsity Matches
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
The historic rugby Varsity Matches between Oxford and Cambridge Universities, set to take place at StoneX Stadium on Saturday 28th February, epitomise the sporting rivalry between the two universities which has raged for more than a century. After sponsoring the 2025 Matches in the fund's inaugural year, Isabella Capital is stepping up into the title sponsor role, increasing their support for the next generation of rugby talent.
Founded in 2024 by two Oxbridge alumni with a deep passion for rugby, Isabella is a global credit investment firm that has enjoyed a highly successful launch and was shortlisted for New Hedge Fund of the Year 2025 at the EuroHedge Awards.
This sponsorship reflects Isabella Capital's desire to give back to the environment that helped launch it, while supporting this historic fixture as it continues to grow in the modern era. The combination of heritage and innovation central to the iconic Varsity Matches mirrors Isabella Capital's investment ethos, with CIO and Founder, Jonny Thompson, recognised amongst the top 50 Rising Stars Hedge Fund Managers by The Hedge Fund Journal last year.
The 2026 Varsity Matches will be played at StoneX Stadium in North London, a state-of-the-art venue that serves as the home of Premiership side, Saracens. The stadium will provide a fitting backdrop for two matches steeped in tradition, where Oxford and Cambridge Universities will collide in a fierce rugby battle for the title of champion of the 144th Men's and 39th Women's Varsity Matches.
Jess Tayenjam, Commercial Director for the Varsity Match Company, was delighted to confirm the partnership with Isabella Capital:
"Isabella Capital’s support of the Varsity Matches shows Oxbridge rugby’s continued value to growing businesses who share our values and commitment to excellence, as well as the strength of our alumni community.”
Jonny Thompson, CIO and Founder of Isabella, adds:
"It is a privilege for Isabella to sponsor one of the most historic fixtures in world rugby. The Varsity Matches represent tradition, excellence and rivalry at its very best, and we hope both sides enjoy a memorable occasion on and off the pitch.”
Ticket and matchday information for the Varsity Matches is available at thevarsitymatches.com.
About Isabella Capital Management LLP:
Isabella Capital Management (ICM) is an institutional, credit-focused, alternative asset management firm that specialises in investing across capital structures. Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that credit is often mispriced when assessed relative to its risk-reward profile, peers, and its own capital structure. We believe that through deep expertise and data-driven insights, skilled investors can identify the mispricing and the catalysts that will drive their correction. Our investment approach is repeatable, reliable, and robust, aiming to deliver stable, positive, and uncorrelated returns through various market cycles. Founded in 2024 by CIO Jonny Thompson and a team of former Citadel and J.P. Morgan colleagues, Isabella Capital Management is built on decades of combined experience in navigating the complexities and evolving dynamics of credit markets.
Landed here after it appeared in a Cannock betting thread during a late scroll. What captured my interest was a sensible piece about https://frostybet.org.uk/ mixed with practical notes on dropdown keyboard search and menu character matching in the UK site. No wild promises about search implementation perfection or matching algorithm genius. The straightforward writing was a relief. When wrapped up, I felt informed, read like actual player commentary.