A ROARING RETURN TO IFFLEY ROAD: LEICESTER TIGERS VS MEN*S BLUES

The cold, frost-bitten pitches of Oxford are a stark contrast to the sun-bathed greenery the Men*s Blues have become familiar with on their Australia tour over the past month. After a successful trip to Oz, the boys are back and ready to face their next opposition. Men*s Blues face the Leicester Tigers on the 23^rd of January at 7:15pm. Tickets available here.

The teams for tomorrow are now live:

Oxford are boasting 12 Blues in their match day 23. Alongside this experience are a wealth of former professional players with Josh Hallett having played for Saracens for the past 5 seasons as well as Sam Cunningham who represented Ulster 'A' this summer. On the bench set to make his debut is New Zealand Maori All Black, Reed Prinsep.

On the opposition, the Tigers boast a wealth of first XV experience, particularly in the sizeable front row of Maka, Stewart and Kofe. The two Manz brothers, also pose a threat in the pack, with Tom claiming. try last week for the 1st XV at the Stormers. What is sure, is that this will be an incredible spectacle of rugby and physicality under the Iffley Friday Night Lights.

Oxford Men's Blues		Leicester Tigers XV
1	Aaron Henry*	A	Tubuna Maka#
2	Mike O'Donnell*	B	John Stewart
3	Mikey Fankah*	C	Tonga Kofe
4	Zenden Rozenbroek*	D	Kwame Bekoe
5	Henry Henderson	E	Tom Manz
6	Fergus Dick*	F	Harry Palmer
7	Luke Newland*	H	Monty Loggenberg
8	Otis Walker*	G	Josh Manz
9	Jack Hamilton* (c)	I	Charlie Bemand (c)
10	Josh Hallett	J	Tom Threlfall
11	Ben Shaw*	K	Kesena Izu
12	Jonty Scott-Brown	L	Ollie Myall
13	Sam Cunningham	M	Wilf McCarthy
14	Wolfe Morn*	N	Ryan Crowley
15	Harry Bridgewater*	O	Aiden Doig
16	Joel Anjorin	P	Jamie Longyear
17	Harry Pratt*	Q	Cameron Meill
18	Reed Prinsep#	R	Diamond Ayiehfor
19	Stu Brown	S	Henry Johnson
20	Sam Beverley	T	Daniel Muir
21	Owen Casstles	U	James Townsend
22	Dexter Lynch	V	Oscar Talbot
23	Harry Martin	W	Efeosenobua Aihe
	*Denotes Blue #Denotes international

11-time Premiership winners Leicester Tigers are the third Premiership team to step foot on Iffley Road this season. Proving to be a regular opposition for the Blues, Leicester Tigers have appeared on the fixture bill every year since 2022.

On the 17^th of January 2025, the Blues welcomed a young but highly experienced Leicester Tigers side to Iffley Road on a muddy Friday night; it was knowingly a tough challenge against Premiership and England U20s talent. Despite being clear underdogs, the Blues started strongly in a cautious, territory-focused opening. However, the pendulum quickly swung back to the Tigers after capitalising on aggressive front row carries. Leicester then shifted momentum dramatically, scoring three quick tries in a 20-minute spell. A well-timed chip and chase from their winger saw the Tigers create space for another try on the half, sending the teams into the break with Oxford trailing 0-22. The second half began poorly for the Blues as an early Leicester try and a subsequent stolen lineout led to another try, extending the lead to 36-0. However, Oxford responded with their most resilient performance of the season, defending bravely and using smart kicking from Bridgewater and Hamilton to apply pressure. Despite coming close through Shaw and Dick, Leicester’s organised defence held firm. Another Tigers try saw them seal victory over the Blues. Final score, 52-0 to the Leicester Tigers.

With both teams looking to come out strong, and the Blues hoping to extend their winning streak, it’s sure to prove an evening of competitive rugby with determination shown on both sides. Come down to Iffley Road on the 23^{rd of} January at 7:15pm and cheer on the Dark Blues! Don’t forget to get your tickets: https://www.ourfc.org/tickets

To read the match preview from last year including a flashback to the 2004 match up please click here , with the Tigers team boasting internationals: Tom Varndell, James Hamilton, Ephraim Taukafa and Dan Hipkiss as well as Blue number 1117 Tom Gregory.