Oxford University's rugby club has been stunned by a decision to close the Twickenham bars after Tuesday's annual Varsity match.

Magistrates refused to give the Rugby Football Union a licence to open its bars after 1.30pm after police expressed concern about inconvenience caused to residents living near the stadium.

The traditional university game, between Oxford and Cambridge, which is expected to attract a near-70,000 crowd, has never been the scene of any crowd trouble - and the university believes the objections are instead traffic-related.

With rugby players and supporters known to traditionally enjoy the odd drink after a big game, the club believes the decision may mar what is treated as one of the big social occasions in the university calendar. Serena Gosling, president of the university's Students Sports Federation, said: "It is going to be pretty annoying for those going.

"I don't think there has ever been any trouble there at all. It is a good day out for everyone. A lot of people like to have a drink while they are there and this will surprise a lot of them.

"It will also be a big loss of revenue for the RFU."

A spokesman for the rugby club added: "Rugby players and their followers have been known to have the odd drink or two."

The decision is also a blow to other rugby clubs in Oxfordshire, who regularly have players and supporters at the game.

Chris Tipler, secretary of the Gosford All Blacks in Kidlington, said: "I think the Varsity match is more of a social occasion than any other game up at Twickenham. There are also a lot of schoolkids that go. "The worst thing that ever happens during the game, as far as the police are concerned, is the occasional streaker."

He added: "I'm sure what some of the coach trips will do instead is buy a boxful of tins. It does detract from the day, though."

The players themselves are unlikely to be affected as they normally go to a formal dinner after the match.

Francis Baron, chief executive of the RFU said: "The university match has never been associated with trouble. We are very surprised and disappointed by the outcome but we will continue to work with the police."

The match kicks off at 2pm.

Story date: Saturday 04 December

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