Having starred on the field, Peter Wright is now looking to raise the profile of Oxford University rugby off it.

Wright, who won Blues as a back-row forward in 2007 and 2008 as well as playing for Chinnor last season, is the club’s first commerical manager.

His roles will include organising sponsorship, promoting the Varsity Match and increasing contact with former players.

One particular target Wright has in mind in boosting crowds at Iffley Road.

“Playing at Chinnor last season, they were getting bigger crowds for their end of season matches than we were in that term at Iffley Road,” he said.

“We hope the locals can see Oxford University as their local side, but there has been a drop in the number of students coming along.

“Hopefully the performance in last year’s Varsity Match will get them coming back.”

Wright added: “Cambridge get 5-6,000 people for the Steel-Bodger’s game. I don’t know why ours has dropped off over the last 30 years.

“We are really looking to pitch the Major Stanley’s fixture (equivalent to Steele-Bodger’s) as our biggest before the Varsity Match.”

There will also be a chance for more local businesses to get involved.

Wright said: “One thing we are introducing for the first time is pitch-side advertising, but it has got to be in keeping with the surrounds.”