Oxford University were left frustrated after Gloucester cancelled their fixture at Kingsholm at short notice.
The Dark Blues were due to face the Premiership club on Monday night, but instead had to make do with a practice match against the Greyhounds – their second team.
Director of rugby Steve Hill said: "We got a call on Sunday lunchtime saying Dean Ryan (Gloucester coach) wasn't prepared to release any players due to the number of injuries they had had in the last two weeks.
"I called every Premiership club and all the professional clubs in National 1, but no one could fill in."
Gloucester were expected to provide Oxford's toughest test ahead of the Varsity Match, but now the students will be even more focused for the visit of Saracens on Monday.
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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