Instead of two hulking great props, Oxford University hooker Ollie Julyan was supported by members of the English National Ballet when the rugby team visited the Apollo Theatre, Oxford, yesterday.

Ollie gets a lift from the ballerinas

The common denominator between ballet and rugby is that performers need to be extremely fit - and they compared notes on fitness regimes.

The rugby players - Ollie included - will be trying to be light on their feet for the match away to Manchester Sale tonight, when they will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.