AUSTRALIAN sevens international Dave Kelaher is the new capatain of Oxford University Rugby Football Club.

The 25-year-old goalkicking flanker was elected last night to succeed his fellow Sydney University player Richie Maher to lead the Darek Blues.

Kelaher, studying social studies at St Cross College, is a former captain of Australian Schoolboy and Under 21sides and has represented his country in the last three Hong Kong Sevens.

"I'm very pleased, because Dave has a wealth of expereince," said Oxford's director of rugby Steve Hill.

"Once I knew he was intending to stay on at the University, I thought he would be an ideal candidate."

Kelaher, who holds a bachelor of pharmacy degree, won his first Blue at Twickenham in December, when Oxford lost their fouirth University Match in a row to Cambridge.

Between four and eight members of that beaten Dark Blues side will be returtning next term. In addition to Kelaher, other definite starters for 1998-99 are lock Andy Roberts, winger Nick Booth and flanker Carl Lavin.

There is also a chance thast Maher, himself, might return for another year.

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