Day 13, Matchday vs Sydney Uni.  The lads began the day by going back to their routine breakfast spot in Newcastle, Bolton Street Pantry, for a good Matchday feast and coffee. We then made our way to the train station and headed back to Sydney for the final match of tour against Sydney University at Woollahra Oval. The game started off quickly with a try from #15 Harry Bridgewater within two minutes of kickoff to give the Blues a 5-0 lead. Sydney answered shortly after with a try of their own under the sticks to obtain the lead 7-5. The lads put on a massive shift but Sydney would go over again to take a 12-7 lead. The fight back from the Blues was strong with two more tries from #2 Will Roddy and #13 Sam Cunningham, but fell victim to a stronger Sydney side in what was a very hot 36 degree day on an artificial plastic pitch. Some highlights included our lineout proving to be dominant once again, embodied with the maul try for Roddy. Another one of the highlights included our very own Sam Line donning a headset and commentating to a global audience. I think we now know what his future profession is, or isn’t. Following the game, the lads bonded together over some post game drinks and festivities with many of our local support and alumni and had a very fun night in the Eastern Suburbs. Back on the road again tomorrow as we travel to Canberra to finish off what has been an incredible tour for the boys thus far. Match preview courtesy of Sydney University FC: Bridging Continents The Storied Rugby Connections Between Sydney University & Oxford University In the world of rugby union, few rivalries or alliances carry the weight of history quite like the bond between Sydney University Football Club (SUFC) and Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC). For over a century, these institutions have shared players, scholars, and a mutual respect forged on the field and in the halls of academia. Often facilitated by prestigious scholarships like the Rhodes or Ramsay, Australian talents from Sydney Uni have crossed the globe to don the Dark Blue of Oxford, enriching both clubs with their skills and stories. A selection of remarkable individuals over the years have embodied the Sydney-Oxford rugby pipeline - players, scholars, and leaders whose journeys highlight the enduring ties between the two universities. From Wallabies legends to current captains, their contributions have not only elevated their clubs but also underscored rugby’s role in fostering global connections. Jack Hamilton: The Current Torchbearer Leading Oxford into today’s fray is none other than Jack Hamilton, the 2025/26 Men’s Captain for OURFC. A product of Sydney Uni’s Colts system, Hamilton honed his skills as a scrum-half with SUFC before pursuing a DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics at Lincoln College, Oxford. His decision to head to the UK was inspired by predecessors like Tom Osborne, and he’s already made his mark, earning Blues and captaining the side. Hamilton’s leadership will be on full display at Woollahra, where he’ll face his former club in a poetic full-circle moment. Xander Jackman: From Co-Captain to Legal Scholar Alexander “Xander” Jackman, a standout from Sydney Uni’s 2017 co-captaincy era, transitioned seamlessly from the pitch to the courtroom. After starring in the Shute Shield, he pursued a Bachelor of Civil Law at Oxford as a Ramsay Postgraduate Scholar. While his rugby exploits at Oxford were more recreational, Jackman’s time there reinforced the academic-athletic balance that defines this connection. Now a prominent Sydney lawyer, he represents the modern archetype of the scholar-athlete bridging the two worlds. Ian Jackman: Judicial Heavyweight with Rugby Roots The Honorable Justice Ian Jackman SC, a Federal Court judge, traces his rugby lineage back to Sydney Uni, where he played alongside future Prime Minister Tony Abbott. As a 1985 Rhodes Scholar from NSW, he studied Jurisprudence and Civil Law at Oxford’s University College, captaining the rugby team and touring France with the Blues. His exploits on the field complemented a stellar academic career, embodying the intellectual rigor that unites Sydney and Oxford rugby alumni. Tom Robertson: Wallaby Prop Turned Oxford Scholar Tom Robertson, a capped Wallaby with 26 Tests under his belt, is a Sydney Uni stalwart who took a sabbatical in 2023 to study for a Master of Public Policy at Oriel College, Oxford. While there, he suited up for OURFC, adding his professional prowess to the Blues. Robertson’s journey from Shute Shield dominance to Oxford’s turf highlights the pathway for elite players seeking higher education, and his return to professional rugby with the Western Force keeps the Sydney-Oxford flame burning. Tom Osborne: Captaining the Blues to Glory Tom Osborne emerged from Sydney Uni’s ranks as a formidable prop, captaining SUFC before heading to Oxford in 2021. There, he earned Blues and led the side as captain in 2023, all while completing advanced studies. Now a professional with Harlequins and the Western Force, Osborne’s leadership at Oxford—including a Varsity Match triumph—cemented his status as a key link in this trans-Tasman chain. Richie Maher: Family Ties and Club Loyalty Richie Maher, uncle to current Sydney Uni centre Eddie Poolman, represents the familial threads woven into SUFC’s fabric. Richard Maher played over 100 games in the 1990s for Sydney University. Bob Egerton: World Cup Hero and Oxford Blue A 1991 Rugby World Cup winner with the Wallabies, Bob Egerton dazzled at Sydney Uni in the 1980s before earning Blues at Oxford in 1987-88. His wing play helped Australia lift the Webb Ellis Cup, and his Oxford stint added academic depth to his rugby resume. Egerton’s era marked a golden period for Sydney alumni at Oxford, inspiring generations to follow. Jacob Taylor: Sevens Star and Rhodes Captain Jacob Taylor, a 2013 Rhodes Scholar and Australian Sevens vice-captain, captained Oxford’s Blues in the 2014 Varsity Match after shining at Sydney Uni. His leadership secured a record fifth consecutive win over Cambridge, making him the sixth Australian skipper in 12 seasons. Taylor’s blend of athleticism and scholarship exemplifies the ideal Sydney-Oxford export. Aldy King: Coaching Bridge and Family Legacy Aldy King, a Sydney Uni player and coach, pursued a postdoc at Oxford in the 2010s, earning a Blue in 2018. Brother to fellow Blue Archie King and son of Peter King (more below), Aldy’s family dynasty strengthens the link. His coaching at SUFC, including fourth-grade duties, keeps the knowledge flowing back to Sydney. Peter King: Rhodes Pioneer and Political Figure Peter King, a barrister and former MP for Wentworth, was a 1975 Rhodes Scholar who earned rugby Blues at Oxford in 1974-75. A lineout specialist from Sydney Uni, King’s early exploits set the template for future scholars. His son Aldy’s involvement creates a rare father-son Oxford duo from SUFC. James Beaufils: Varsity Flanker with Sydney Roots James Beaufils, a flanker from Sydney Uni, starred for Oxford in the 2017 Varsity Match, contributing to a Blues squad that faced Penguin International. Now a Senior Research Fellow at UTS, Beaufils’ time at Oxford blended rugby with academic pursuits in law and Indigenous studies. Nick Haydon: Varsity Victor and Sydney Scribe Former Sydney Uni premiership-winning halfback Nick Haydon captained Oxford to a 21-10 Varsity win in 2010. His leadership as the sixth Australian skipper in recent years solidified Sydney’s influence on Oxford rugby. Trevor Walsh: The Axe of Oxford Known as “The Axe” for his ferocious defense, Trevor Walsh played center for Oxford in the 1996 Varsity Match after starring at Sydney Uni. Later involved in uni rugby administration, Walsh’s underrated contributions as a Payne center highlight the gritty players who’ve crossed over. Roger Davis: Lineout Legend and Wallaby Roger Davis, a Wallaby lock, specialised in lineouts at Sydney Uni before earning Blues at Oxford (1974-75) as a Rhodes Scholar. His post-rugby career in finance and as NSW Waratahs chairman keeps him influential in Australian rugby circles. These individuals illustrate the profound synergy between Sydney University and Oxford - where rugby isn’t just a game but a gateway to global opportunities. As the teams collide tonight at Woollahra Oval, expect a match steeped in this shared heritage, with current stars like Hamilton channeling the spirit of their predecessors. This match will be live-streamed on NSW Rugby TV, offering fans a front-row seat to this transcontinental showdown. With free entry and a kick-off under the Sydney summer lights, it’s a must-watch for rugby enthusiasts eager to see the next chapter unfold.