Brett Robinson thought he had seen it all in a distinguished rugby career that includes representing Australia and leading a club side to the final of the prestigious Super 12 competition.

But his election last week as the new captain of Oxford University gave him a new experience.

"It's the first time I've been selected to a position by my fellow squad members," said the approachable Aussie after beating off a challenge from fellow flanker Luke Sherriff.

"There were plenty of probing questions for the candidates, and it's a great thrill for me to have been chosen in those circumstances," said the 30-year-old medical student.

Considering that he arrived at Oxford only about a month before the Varsity Match, after completing exams in his homeland, Robinson made an immediate impact with his quiet authority a bedside manner if you like!

And having taken on the job, Robinson is certain to give it his all.

"I'm responsible for organising the training and really preparing the side for a one-off match next season.

"Everything I do will be geared to beating Cambridge in December. I'm excited by being given the responsibility.

"Perhaps my biggest challenge is to develop a playing pattern throughout the clubs a squad mentality if you like so that all the club's sides from the under 19s to the Blues play the same way."

It's a big job, but Robinson, who is studying an MSc in research at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, says there will be no half-measures.

"The research course is driven by me. So, much of the work will be done in the next six months. I will have time to run the rugby in the second half of the year," he added.

Meanwhile, tonight he will be skippering the Dark Blues against the Royal Navy at Iffley Road (7.15).

Oxford University: Marsh, Hopcroft, Jennings, Adlen, Rubie, N Edwards, Starmer-Smith, Hughes, Nicholas, Street, C Edwards, Russell, Pennington, Robinson (capt), Hendriksz.

*Steve Hill, Oxford University's director of coaching, was moving gingerly this week as he recovered from his 40th birthday match at Iffley Road on Saturday.

Playing for the first time in five years, Hill led his team against an Invitation XV, who won the hour-long contest by six tries to five.

Among those turning out were Varsity coaches Mark Tainton and Paul Roberts, Banbury coach Martin Hobley, plus old and current Blues Adam Rubin, Toby Beer and Luke Sherriff.

"It was great fun, especially watching England beat Wales afterwards," said Hill.