Most clubs who are serious about their rugby send the first fifteen squad away for a pre-season weekend's training and games in preparation for the challenges ahead.

Oxford RFC are serious about their rugby but this season they have done things in reverse.

They held their pre-season training camp at their Southern Bypass Ground.

Oxford players Dicky Gray, Mike Rawson and Gary Walter

Most of the senior squad were present and arrived at the club on Saturday morning for a briefing from club coaches Stuart Hamilton and Steve Kemp. Both coaches have continued at the club after the promotion success last season that saw Oxford go straight back up again from Berks, Bucks and Oxon Division 1 to Southern Counties North, as Champions.

After a hard and varied day's work the squad enjoyed a barbecue on Saturday evening while watching the 'other' England team on the club's giant screen.

The club was provided with the screen and projector by the Mini and Junior Section from proceeds of last season's Christmas draw. It has been a big attraction this summer, especially during the British Lions Tour when five 'guests' from Derby dropped in to join the locals watching the first Test.

The seniors loosened any stiffness with a couple of sessions in the morning before dispersing, after lunch to reflect on a very successful weekend.

Oxford RFC have already received a boost with most of last season's players returning, while some talented Colts are at last coming through from the junior section.