Match Preview: Blues vs Eastern Suburbs (Ian TUcker Memorial Match)

The boys are back! After a hard-fought match against Richmond XV the Men*s Blues return to Iffley Road on Thursday 9th of October to face Eastern Suburbs District RUFC. We are proud to announce that this fixture will be played in tribute to Ian Tucker, a player that represented both the Easts and the Blues. Before kick-off, a pre-match dinner will be held at Iffley Road in The Pavilion to honour Ian Tucker and his time at OURFC. Tickets for the dinner and the match available here – https://www.ourfc.org/tickets

Ian Tucker was an ambitious and skilled player having achieved representative rugby honours playing as a member of New South Wales under-17, under-19 and under-21 sides whilst earning an under-19 Australian cap against New Zealand. Tipped to win a place in the 1996 Varsity squad to play Cambridge in December, Tucker proved to be an unflinching player on the verge of a remarkable career at the top level of rugby. Having only been in Oxford for a few months, the South-African born centre proved that he had more than earned his place in Dark Blue and work tirelessly alongside his teammates and coaching staff to maintain his place on the team sheet. Tucker was a post-graduate at Keble College and was studying a diploma in social studies. He spent his undergrad at Sydney University, gaining a degree in economics alongside playing for the Australian Barbarians and training at Australia’s Institute of Sport.

Tucker tragically passed in October 1996 as he sustained head and neck injuries in a try-saving tackle during a game against the Saracens. Despite the best efforts of doctors and staff at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in central London, Tucker died from his injuries a few days later. His death cast a long shadow over the English rugby season.

During the 1990s, a statue of Ian Tucker was constructed at Iffley Road and stands next to the pavilion. Traditionally Oxford teams would all touch the statue as they made their way onto the pitch before home games. The gesture is a mark of respect and a symbol that players, although lost, are never forgotten and their legacy in Dark Blue lives on through generations.

The Men*s Blues face "The Beasts" in this memorial match. Based in Rose Bay, Sydney, the Beasts or Beasties are the oldest district rugby club in Australia. Competing in the Intrust Shute Shield in New South Wales, their last championship win came in 2024 and marked their 10th time winning the shield. Both sides have great histories and boast notable alumni – Jason Little, World Cup Winner in 1991 and 1999 and Tim Gavin, New South Wales and Waratahs captain are just two incredible players to don the blue, white and red of the Beasts. It’s sure to be a thrilling match as two historic side hope to claim victory and lift the Ian Tucker Cup. Come on down for a 7:15pm kick-off and support the Dark Blues! Tickets available here – https://www.ourfc.org/tickets