FORMER England captain Will Carling will not, after all, be playing for Major Stanley's XV against Oxford University at Iffley Road tomorrow.
Carling, who last week indicated he would like to play in this prestige fixture, found himself double booked, literally, as he is committed to a signing session of his new autobiography in Penzance on the same day.
There were also hopes that Harlequins player-coach Zinzan Brooke, the legendary New Zealand No 8, would also play, but he has decided to give his body a rest.
Despite these absentees, Major Stanley's are still fielding a strong and attractive line-up, including ten internationals.
Paul Burke, the Ireland stand-off, will be hoping to give full rein to a back division that includes England's Paul Sampson and former British rugby league international Andy Currier.
There will also be much interest in the performance of Liam Botham, son of former England all-rounder Ian, who is one of three Cardiff players in the Stanley's line-up.
Up front Oxford will have to contend with the likes of former French hooker Vincent Muscato and ex-Wales lock Glyn Llewellyn, who will captain the side.
The Dark Blues captain, Dave Kelaher, who has been out since suffering a knee injury on the pre-season tour of South Africa, is expected to return at open side for a match that should attract a big crowd.
The kick-off is at 3pm and spectators are advised to leave plenty of time for the trip, as parking near the ground will be severely restricted.
Major Stanley's XV: P Jorganson (Penrith RLC & Australia), P Sampson (Wasps & England), J Riondet (Stade Francais), A Currier (L Welsh, Gt Britain RL), L Botham (Cardiff), P Burke (Cardiff & Ireland), D Dewdley (Bristol & Zimbabwe), R Lehner (Pontypool & USA), V Muscato (Stade Francais & France), I Buckett (L Welsh & Wales), G Llewellyn (Maesteg & Wales) capt, K Stewart (Cardiff & Scotland), M Gabey (Bristol & ACT), A Dawling (Gloucester & Army), P Scrivens (Wasps & England).
Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article