GEORGE Robson knows what it takes to win major trophies and is relishing the prospect of helping Oxford University wrestle back the Varsity Match bragging rights.

The former Harlequins lock has been handed a starting role as the Dark Blues bid to end Cambridge University’s two-match winning run at Twickenham today.

Although it will be his first Blue, the occasion should not faze Robson, who made nearly 200 appearances during a ten-year stay at the Stoop, where he won the European Challenge Cup in 2010/11 and the Premiership title the following season.

The 33-year-old has played alongside some of the finest English rugby players of recent times in the form of Ugo Monye, Chris Robshaw, Danny Care and Mike Brown.

But he has enjoyed the low-key setting at Iffley Road and his new teammates have proved they are just as driven as the stars of the professional game.

“I’ve loved the experience so far at Oxford,” said Robson, who once captained England against South Africa Southern Barbarians in 2012.

“It’s been something totally different to the rest of my professional career.

“What’s great for me is being surrounded by such a hungry group who are really pulling together.

“There’s guys that are not involved who have been really pushing everyone and our training has reflected that.

“It’s been getting feisty and that’s good, that’s what you need.”

Robson, who also had spells with Oyonnax and London Irish, retired from rugby in 2017 and works for sports nutrition company MusclePharm.

He is now studying for an EMBA at the Saïd Business School and has been juggling his studies with the Varsity Match preparations.

The professional culture introduced by captain Dom Waldouck has enabled Robson to easily slot in to life at Iffley Road, but playing for the Dark Blues is nothing like he has previously experienced.

“I’ve not packed down with a classicist before or all these geniuses I’m playing with, that’s been the biggest difference,” he said.

“But the boys work incredibly hard.

“In terms of a professional set-up, the hours and training we’re doing is very similar.

“Obviously the difference being, the boys are doing a lot of studying every day, so they might be a bit frazzled when they get to training, but I think it’s a welcome release.

“I’ve been really impressed by the standard.”