The Men’s Blues opened their account in the 2019 World University Invitation Tournament with an incredibly hard fought 3 nil win over hosts Waseda in a torrential downpour which made attacking rugby almost impossible. Oxford’s only points came from fly-half Tom Humberstone who kicked a first half penalty. The match was also played in remembrance of Ambassador Katsu Oku who was tragically killed in Iraq in September 2003. The Blues have a rest day on Thursday before their remainig two pool matche son Friday against Federal Siberian University and Sydney University.

Starting XV:

1 B Vaughan (Corpus) 2 JA Henry * (Some) 3 B Parker * (BNC) 4 C Pozniak * (St Benet’s) 5 K Myall (Kellogg) 6 G Messum * (Kellogg) 7 S Miller * (SEH) 8 S Kerneis * (St Peter’s) 9 G Tresidder * (HMC) 10 T Humberstone * (Jesus) 11 T Stileman * (Ch Ch) 12 L Jackson * (Oriel) 13 D Stoller (Queen’s) 14 E David * (St Hilda’s) Capt 15 D Barley * (SEH)

Replacements:

A Oswal (SEH) for B Vaughan, J Dix * (Oriel) for K Myall