Oxford University head coach James Wade says their defeat to Queensland University should be a wake-up call.

The Dark Blues lost 25-8 to their Australian visitors at Iffley Road on Tuesday night, with Wade admitting they had let themselves down.

And having fielded ten Blues in their side, the coach said he has had to reassess the form of several established players.

“At the end of our Russian tour, I was really pleased with how we have moved forward,” said Wade, who was coaching the side for the first time at home.

“But against Queensland I felt we moved backwards.”

He added: “Generally there have been areas we can be quite optimistic and positive about.

“But I think on Tuesday night we let ourselves down a little bit, especially as it was our first home game.

“Take nothing away from Queensland. They were very good in defence and the tackle area.

“We let ourselves down with discipline and the way we played.

“I didn’t recognise the team from the one that played in Russia “The players know that. We have got to pick ourselves up.

“It was a week missed in terms of moving forward and we have got to make the most of the nine weeks left before the Varsity Match.

“The only way is forward.”

Oxford could have ten Blues among the forwards in their Varsity Match squad, but Wade wants to remove any feeling of complacency.

“It is not just a case of not clicking,” he said. “The players that play in December need to be hungry.

“There is competition for places now. There is a level playing field.

“A number of players in the first game (which saw the Greyhounds beat Queensland’s second team 22-19) have put their hands up to get selected for the Blues.”

The Dark Blues can redeem themselves at Richmond on Monday night.

Wade said: “I think there will be a few changes, although we wanted to rest some players anyway.

“It is the performance I am looking for.”

Meanwhile, Andrew Highton has started work as Oxford University’s new rugby development officer – a post they have introduced as part of reforms to the club.