Oxford University have high hopes of completing a hat-trick of Varsity Match victories as they start a new term.

If they are successful against Cambridge on December 11, it will be the first time in 30 years they have achieved this feat.

At least ten of the players who helped the Dark Blues to victory at Twickenham last season, are returning to Iffley Road, as director of rugby Steve Hill builds a formidable squad under the leadership of former Australian international Brett Robinson.

There are a large number of players returning to the pack, where Robinson is re-joined in the back row by Luke Sherriff plus Varsity locks, Simon Miall and Adam Russell and front rowers, Ray Lehner, Peter Nicholas and Olly Julyan.

Competition for places will be tough with Blues reserves Ed Hallett and Jason Bolger returning.

In addition, new players include Canadian international prop Kevin Tkacuk and Auckland University No 8 Fraser Gemmell.

The three-quarters see the return of fly half Seb FitzGerald and speedy wing Will Rubie and a number of the excellent under 21 backs from last season.

There's also a chance that last year's Varsity match centres Werner van Pittius and Sam Adlen will team up again.

South African Van Pittius is still waiting to hear whether he has got the course he is seeking, while Adlen may be unavailable due to studying commitments.

The players have be training twice a day throughout this week and this will include a trial match away at Henley tomorrow (6pm).

At the end of this week 26 players will be selected to go on tour to Treviso, Italy where the Blues will play three matches including one against Benetton Treviso who the following week take their place in the European Heineken Cup.

On their return, the Blues first home match is against London Wasps, on Tuesday, October 2 (7.15pm), followed by a home game against Bath on October 8.

The traditional game against Major Stanley's XV will be played on November 14, while Sydney University, the new Australian club champions, will be visiting Iffley Road on December 1.

Details of all matches can be found at the club's website www.ourfc.org.