England may rule the rugby world, but that has not stopped Oxford University electing their third Australian captain in the last four years.

Dave Lubans, who beat off four contenders to become the Dark Blues' new skipper, says he is relishing his new role.

"This means a great deal," said the versatile and mobile 6ft 5in forward.

"The past two years at Oxford have been some of the best of my life. Just to meet and work with all these elite individuals has been a great privilege.

"And to be elected by my fellow players also means a lot."

Lubans, 29 was the most experienced of the candidates, having captained the Northern Suburbs club in Sydney and the New South Wales Country XV against the 2001 British Lions, as well as the Australians Barbarians sevens side.

"I think I have the experience to get the best out of the players, by treating them each as individuals," he said.

After two years at Oxford, Lubans is still looking for his Varsity Match victory, and said he found the 11-11 draw with Cambridge in December an intensely frustrating affair,

"We had so many opprtunities and just could not get over the line," said Lubans, who had an outstanding game at lock forward.

Oxford's director of rugby Steve Hill said: "Over the last two seasons, Dave has undoubtedly been our most consistent player - he's never had a bad game."

In his first year, Lubans, who is studying for a PhD in education at St Anne's College, played at No 8, while this season he has played at lock.

So which position does he prefer?

"I enjoy the freedom of No 8 more, but I believe that I can contribute more to the side in the second row," he said.

That sounds like good news - a captain who is prepared to sacrifice his favourite position for the good of the team.

With his background in education, Lubans will take an active role in coaching, having passed a level two coaching exam in Australia.

This winter he has been coaching the first XV at St Edward's School, Oxford.

There he assists Ben Ryan, the coach of National League 2 side Newbury, where he has been playing for the past two seasons when not involved with the university.

"Dave's a top bloke," said Ryan. "He's an honest, straight guy, who gets things right and will make an excellent captain."

On the admin side, Lubans will have great help from Hill and the Irish flanker Richie Woods, who has been elected club secretary.

IFFLEY Road will attract one of it's largest crowds of the season - about 1,500 - when Oxford University Greyhounds take on local rivals Oxford Brookes in a crunch BUSA League match tonight (7.15).

The winners will finish top of Midland Tier 1 and have the chance of promotion.