Oxford University have drawn up a plan ‘to become the dominant force in Varsity Match rugby’.

The document, which has been e-mailed to all members, is part of a move to improve communication from the club’s committee.

Divided into three headings – vision, mission and principal objectives – the plan includes appointing a rugby development officer.

With the Dark Blues being led by a different coach for a third successive Varsity Match, they are also looking to implement ‘a stable long term coaching and team management structure’.

Club chairman Ronnie Lamb said: “We have a proud tradition and a unique position in the world of rugby, but we need to nurture that and build on those proud foundations of the past.

“We are facing a number of challenges learning how to adapt to a world which has been significantly changed by the advent of professional rugby.”

Under principal objectives, the document simply states: “To deliver winning Oxford teams and become the dominant force in Varsity Match rugby”.

Elsewhere, there are commitments to provide top-class facilities, increase income, maintain tight financial controls and ‘develop a modern, transparent and accountable rugby committee and sub-committee structure’.

On the field, the Dark Blues yesterday opened their Russian tour with a 22-20 defeat to Siberian Federal University.

Wings James Dargan and Luke Jones scored Oxford’s tries, with fly half Matthew Janney kicking two conversions and two penalties.

The Dark Blues compete in a sevens tournament this weekend, then face RC Krasnyi Yar on Wednesday.

Oxford University: Beer, Dargan, Turner, Neil, Jones*, Janney, O’Halloran, Oliver*, Wisson, Powell, Rowlands, Owen, Durward, Morlet, Carter* (capt). Reps: Asbun, Kane*, Evans*, Coe, Egerton, Guinness*, Bramham-Law.

* Denotes Blue.