Anton Oliver, the ex-New Zealand All Blacks hooker, heads the line-up of new recruits to Oxford University's ranks this season.
Oliver will be joined in the front row by Bristol and England Under 21 tight-head prop Wayne Thompson, whose registration the Premiership club are retaining.
The Dark Blues have three new locks competing for places with Bert Payne still around from last year's squad.
Dan Guinness, who has played for ACT and Australia Under 21, Nick Van Zyl, brother of double Blue Anton, and England Students captain Ian Kench will all be in the mix.
Canadian international flanker Stan McKeen, who played for Cornish Pirates last year and US Eagles prop Will Johnson, a former NFL player, add North American representation.
In the centres, John Burnett is a recruit from Sydney University – Australia's leading club side.
Oxford also have nine returning Blues.
Director of rugby Steve Hill said: "Particularly in the forwards, there will be a lot of competition for places.
"The back row is going to be ridiculously competitive."
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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 here