In a show of local rugby unity, Newcastle University has drafted in players from rival Hunter clubs to face the prestigious Oxford University side in a historic exhibition match this Tuesday night.
A Rare Summer Showdown
The match, set for a 7pm kick-off on Tuesday, January 5, 2026, at Newcastle's No.2 Sportsground, offers free admission to spectators. It presents a unique summer rugby spectacle, falling in the middle of the school holidays and just days into the new year.
This marks Oxford University Rugby Football Club's first tour to Australia in over 30 years. The Newcastle fixture is part of a series of games the English side is playing during their Australian visit, which also includes a match against Sydney University and training with the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
Hunter Rugby Answers the Call
With the timing posing challenges for player availability, University coach Josh Meads reached out to the broader Hunter Rugby community. The response was immediate, with several key players from other clubs putting their hands up for the one-off contest.
The reinforced University squad will feature Wanderers forward Andrew Tuala, Hamilton Hawks skipper Lachlan Summers, and Steve Snoxell from Southern Beaches. A total squad of 25 has been assembled, with the majority being University players supplemented by these strategic additions.
"It's been a huge help, and sort of shows the unity of Hunter Rugby and the direction we're going in," Meads said. "It's an exhibition game and for another club, but people are willing to put their hand up and have a run around."
Blowing Off the Cobwebs in the Heat
The match will serve as a first hit-out for most players in several months, following only limited pre-season work. Meads acknowledged his University players have had just a run on Nobbys Beach and some touch football since their last game in August or September.
"There will be a few cobwebs blown off, that's for sure," he remarked.
Newcastle is forecast for a peak of 25-26 degrees Celsius on Tuesday evening—warm for rugby but milder than the mid-30s predicted later in the week. The match format has been adapted for the conditions, with four 20-minute quarters and unlimited interchanges to allow for constant fresh legs.
"They can go as hard as they can for as long as they can," Meads said. "I'm not too sure how the northern hemisphere guys will handle the heat."
A Special Occasion for All
Oxford is captained by Novocastrian and former Wanderers junior Jack Hamilton, the sole Australian in their touring party. The tour serves as preparation for their annual Varsity Match against Cambridge on February 28.
"Oxford has got a rich rugby history," Meads noted. "To be a part of that journey is special, but also just to be a part of a match where you're facing a travelling side is special. The boys are pumped."
He expects a high-quality, defensive contest, with Oxford seeking a tough game to fine-tune their preparations. "They're here to showcase what they've been doing over in the northern hemisphere, and we're keen to showcase what Hunter Rugby is about as well," Meads added.
Following the match, Oxford will hold a junior clinic in Newcastle on Wednesday before continuing their tour.
