International opposition getting Blues battle-hard

BRENDAN GALLAGHER
A weekly look at the game’s other talking points

History boys: Oxford University line up in Madagascar

THE art of touring can sometimes seem in danger in these serious professional times so it was heartening to see Oxford University make their way down to Madagascar last month for a trail-blazing pre-season tour of the rugby mad island in the Indian Ocean.
It was a 24 hour trip door to door from a 3.30am start at Iffley Road to their hotel in Antananarivo and, in best touring fashion, there was a last minute pan...