02 Dec 08

Scoring a try at the rugby varsity match.

Next week sees the 126th Varsity Rugby match, which will be held on Thursday 11 December 2008 at the iconic Twickenham Stadium.

Since the fixture started in 1872, Cambridge have the lead with 59 wins to Oxford’s 52 and 14 draws leaving Oxford’s team very keen to redress the balance this year.

The blues are looking strong so far this season – having notched up eight wins out of the eleven games they have played, making them strong contenders for a victory this year.

The team have been spurred along by the inclusion of the former All Blacks captain, Anton Oliver, who recently came to Oxford to study for an MSc in Biodiversity, Environment and Management. Oliver, who won 55 caps for his country before retiring from international rugby after the 2007 World Cup, says he is looking forward to the challenge: ‘The chance to play in the Varsity match - which is clearly a unique event in rugby union – is very exciting and I see it as a natural way for me to finish my playing career.’

The day will also see the U21s Varsity Match being contested by an Oxford side that have had a fantastic season – having won all of their matches so far with only the game at Twickenham to go.

Tickets are still available for the match by clicking on the link for Ticketmaster. The blues are hoping for a good turnout of supporters to cheer them on.

OURFC will also be running supporters buses to and from Iffley Road for just £12 return, for further information please e-mail tim.stevens@sport.ox.ac.uk