CAPTAIN Fergus Taylor insists the hard work starts now if Oxford University are to win an unprecedented seventh Varsity Match in a row.

The Dark Blues take on Cambridge University at Twickenham on December 8, bidding to strengthen their stranglehold on the trophy.

Second row forward Taylor was a part of the Oxford team which made history last year by winning a record sixth match in succession.

And preparations are already under way for the 135th Varsity Match, as the side followed a six-day tour of Toulon with a 35-17 win over Esher on September 26.

An away fixture at Chinnor is next tonight, before they host Aviva Premiership side Bristol at Iffley Road on Monday.

Although there are still 62 days until the big day, Taylor is fully aware the foundations for success are laid in the months before.

“What we do now has a direct affect on December,” said the 24-year-old, who is studying a part-time Masters degree in literature and arts at St Catherine’s College.

“It may not feel like it now, but if you miss out on your nutrition or gym that has an impact.”

He added: “Last year our defence won us the Varsity Match.

“It was built on a desire to work hard for each other and it is something we have taken into this year.

“Having won six years in a row, we have a template that works.

“We take the bits that are successful from the previous years, but also start afresh.”

Taylor has two Blues to his name and was elected as George Messum’s replacement as captain in January.

Having helped Oxford make history at the home of English rugby ten months ago, he stressed the importance of relieving the emphasis on win No 7 and closing the gap to Cambridge to 60-61.

“I guess the pressure is for us not to be complacent,” said Taylor.

“We don’t think of it as seven in a row. It is our year and we will work hard for it.”

The Dark Blues have lost a lot of experience over the summer, with Henry Lamont, Lewis Anderson, George Cullen, Matt Janney and Ian Williams, who have won 20 Blues between them, no longer in the set-up.

But as one of the experienced members, Taylor says it is up to those with Varsity experience to step up.

He said: “As a senior player you are always conscious of the new guys and helping them balance their academics and rugby.

“We really care about each other as individuals and a squad.”