OXFORD University will fly the flag for England next week as they host the first World University Rugby Cup.

Eight sides will go head-to-head over four days between September 15-21 at Iffley Road and St Edward’s School.

The Dark Blues and their second team, the Greyhounds, are in Pool 1 with University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Waseda University (Japan).

Pool 2 consists of NZ Universities, Trinity College of Dublin (Ireland), University of British Columbia (Canada) and Siberian Federal University (Russia).

Tournament organiser and Dark Blues general manager, Tim Stevens, said: “The team has been training hard and we are looking forward to welcoming the other universities.

“The competition is fierce and we are excited to be hosting the challenge.”

Tickets, priced between £2-5, are being sold at Iffley Road and Elmer Cotton Sports in Turl Street.