It was a case of sixth time lucky for Jules Allfrey when Oxford University captain Dan Rosen named his Nomura Varsity Match team today.

Allfrey, who gained the nod at inside centre, is in the sixth and final year of a medical degree, but Thursday’s Twickenham clash will be his first Blue.

And the 23-year-old revealed he almost gave up rugby in the summer to help him tackle his demanding academic schedule.

Hooker Rosen’s side features 11 Blues, with flanker John Carter the only Varsity Match debutant in the pack.

Exciting runner Will Browne is chosen at right wing, while Sean Morris, who was preferred to him last year, has to be content with a place on the bench.

Allfrey and Australian scrum half Nick Haydon are the other newcomers in the starting XV.

Both teams will have eight replacements this year to carter for an extra prop, with Oxford opting for Gov Oliver to provide back-up alongside American international Will Johnson.

Allfrey said: “I played for the under 21s at Twickenham in my first three years and now making it into the Blues is great.

“I was going to give up in the summer because of my final-year studies and I didn’t think I was going to make it.

“In the end, I thought there is always an opportunity of making the Blues, so go for it.

“Playing in the Varsity Match will cap an amazing time at Oxford.

“It is great to have come through the undergraduate system.”

Allfrey said it took him time to adapt from the style of rugby he played with Wasps Academy and England Under 18s to the Varsity Match’s physical demands.

But he is delighted to have now made the grade.

“I have had a really good season,” said Allfrey.

“That is what it is all about - taking your chance.

“Perhaps in the last five years, I haven’t done that as well.

“It was my last opportunity to come up trumps.”

Allfrey feels he has improved year on year and took his chance when the No 12 shirt was up for grabs in pre-season.

He said: “I saw there wasn’t anyone brought in.

“I am actually a fly half by trade, but I am 23 now and a lot stronger and more physical.

“I thought why not go for the position.”

Rosen said his team had come together naturally after some impressive displays in recent matches.

His most marginal call was selecting Tosa Makoto over Mike Rickner as back-row replacement.

“Mike Rickner was the one that was a really tough decision,” said Rosen.

“It is not easy to tell someone you are not picked.

“I don’t think anyone can have complaints in terms of opportunities. I believe the team has been selected on merit.”

Rosen added: “We have lost Anton Oliver and Wayne Thompson from last year, but I think we have got a bit more balance.

“It is certainly a more aggressive pack.”

Oxford University: *Mahony, Browne, *Cheesman, Allfrey, *Catling, *Swanson, Haydon, *Lutton, *Rosen* (capt), *Tomaszczyk, *Kench, *Van Zyl, Carter, *#McKeen, *Davies. Reps: Rogers, #Johnson, Outen, Makoto, Klopper, James, *Morris, Oliver.

Cambridge University: *Richards, *Greenwood, Shepherd, Burdon, Riley, *Broadfoot, *#Rowe, *Conlon, *Crossley, Harris, *Jones, *#Vickerman (capt), White, *Wheeler, Maidment. Reps: Gilbert, *Daniel, Anuvatnujotikul, Henderson, Hood, *Reid, Balfour, Cheetham.

*denotes Blue; # international.