Varsity Match 2025: Cambridge University RUFC head coach James Shanahan expecting Oxford University RUFC reaction at StoneX Stadium

Head coach James Shanahan has warned his Cambridge University RUFC Men’s squad to “expect a backlash and an emotional response” when they renew acquaintances with their Oxford counterparts in the Varsity Match on Saturday (8 March).

Twelve months ago Cambridge ran in eight tries on their way to posting a 56-11 victory – a record scoreline in the long history of the prestigious fixture.

It also sealed back-to-back wins for Cambridge for the first time since 2017 – and Shanahan is expecting to be presented with an Oxford outfit gunning for revenge.

“I’m anticipating a backlash and an emotional response from Oxford,” he said.

“That’s something that we’re going to have to match. It’s important that we turn up physically because it doesn’t matter how good of a rugby side you are, if you don’t turn up and do the basics then you won’t win the game.

“If we can get that side of the game right then it’s about who is the better side and who can let their rugby do the talking.

“It’s tough in some ways because we don’t know exactly what we’ll be up against, but we know they’ll want to bounce back from last year – we can prepare for that.”

In terms of his own side, Shanahan is confident that they travel to the StoneX Stadium in a ‘good place’.

They have won seven of their nine fixtures this season – a haul that includes two Town vs Gown triumphs and a victory in the annual Steele-Bodger encounter.

“I’m very happy with where we currently are,” added Shanahan. “Like always it’s a bit of the unknown and it’s no different to going into a league campaign after a pre-season.

“Our pre-season has obviously been long but we’re in a good place and we’re excited to get going now.

“We don’t know everything about the opposition so what’s important is that we are able to implement our gameplan.

“There’s an element of pressure to that but it’s something we’ve been able to handle quite well in recent years.”

Cambridge currently edge the head-to-head record over their rivals by a margin of 65-62, with 14 encounters ending in draws.