Arena polo had a landmark weekend. The first FIP European Arena Polo Championship was played in Rome from 27 to 30 May, and France took the gold medal after beating England in the final on Saturday 30 May.
Polo in the Piazza di Siena
The tournament was staged at Piazza di Siena in the Villa Borghese gardens, as part of the CSIO Rome equestrian event, which gave it a spectacular backdrop. Four teams took part: Italy, England, Switzerland and France. It was organised by the Italian Equestrian Sports Federation together with Alessandro Giacchetti.
The French squad was Clement Toussaint, Jules Legoubin and Matthieu Delfosse, with Clement Delfosse and Tristan Vétois as reinforcements. The reports we have seen do not give a final score, but the result is clear enough, and it is a welcome sign that the Federation of International Polo is investing in arena polo across Europe.
For British readers, arena polo is the form of the game we know best in winter, so a continental championship is welcome news.
Varsity Day at Guards
At Guards Polo Club on Saturday 30 May, the La Martina Varsity Day brought a full programme to Smith’s Lawn.
- Varsity Match: Oxford University Polo Club beat Cambridge 12-0 to retain the title for a second consecutive year
- Old Blues: Oxford 4, Cambridge 3
- Schools match: Eton College 9, Harrow School 2
- Power of Polo charity match: the Power of Polo side beat a team of Oxford and Cambridge players 9-7
A 12-0 scoreline is rare in any polo match, and Oxford will be delighted to keep hold of the trophy.
A fair play award
On the evening of Monday 11 May, the Hurlingham Polo Association held its Polo Awards at the Underglobe in London. Ferne Park received the Standing Rock Fair Play Award, presented by Philipp Müller and collected by Joaquin Pittaluga. It was their second consecutive win. The award is based on umpire evaluations during the 2025 UK season and the Victor Ludorum series, covering sportsmanship, discipline, respect for umpires and horse welfare. It is backed by four governing bodies: England, France, Australia and New Zealand.
Next
The Queen’s Cup group stage is nearing its conclusion at Guards, and the capital hosts Chestertons Polo in the Park from 5 to 7 June. We will have a round-up on Monday.
Sources: Polo Press (Rome), Polo Times (Varsity Day), Polo Press (HPA awards)
