Oxford University's Jeremy Mather ready for Varsity tie

Oxford have only won one of the last five Varsity contests, in 2008

Oxford University fly-half Jeremy Mather says they are ready to face rivals Cambridge in the 129th Varsity tie at Twickenham on Thursday.

The 27-year-old told BBC Radio Oxford: "We're good enough this time round, it will be tough but we're in the right frame of mind and fully prepared.

"We've got some real undiscovered talent coming through and we're going to show Cambridge what we're made of."

Last year Cambridge beat Oxford 31-27 in a hard-fought fixture.

"Cambridge are strong opponents but we are happy with the way we are playing and we are in with a shout. It's difficult to say who is the underdog and who is the favourite, but we'll give it our best shot and hope to come away with a win," Mather added.

Cambridge lead Oxford by 61 wins to 53, with 14 matches being drawn but Mather says the Blues will not be paying attention to records once they enter the pitch at Twickenham.

"We take each year as it comes, it's a clean slate every year so forms and record books go out the window," he said.

"Our whole season builds up to this game and its a huge event for us. Last year we were strong favourites and came away with a loss so it's really about how you perform on the day."

The Reading-born player, who has played for Newbury, admits he has always dreamt of playing in the annual Varsity match.

"I'm thrilled to be involved, it's a great honour and it is the epitome of my rugby career so it feels fantastic."

Mather is currently studying for a PGCE at Oxford University and is completing his teacher training at John Mason school in Abingdon.

Dozens of his pupils will be attending the contest at Twickenham and Mather says he is looking forward to seeing them at the game.

"It will be an honour to play in front of the students. John Mason school has been fantastic and have supported me through out with my training," he said.

"The students are very excited so I'm really glad they are coming down. They are a talented bunch so hopefully one of them will be playing on this pitch for the same occasion in the future."