England's loss should prove Oxford University’s gain when Charlie Hodgson coaches the Dark Blues today.

Saracens fly half Hodgson, who was omitted from Martin Johnson’s 30-man World Cup squad, will act as a kicking and attack adviser for the Varsity Match campaign.

The former Sale man conducts his first session at Iffley Road today alongside Wasps lock Marco Wentzel, who is overseeing line-out work, and scrum coach Wayne Thompson.

James Wade, the Dark Blues’ new head coach, said: “I know Charlie well from my time at Sale.

“His and the others’ work is going to be based on clinics.

“They are not going to be with us every week, but they will be crucial to our season.”

Wade’s role will come alongside his work as Wasps’ high-performance manager.

He said: “We have gone through a structured plan up to the Varsity Match. Wasps are being really supportive.

“The jobs don’t really clash because of the nights the games are on.”

Wade added: “We are looking to play an exciting game and make the Varsity Match a spectacle.

“It is a cup final that everyone knows will happen each year.

“We want to make it one that people will come and enjoy.”

Ironically for Wade, the Dark Blues’ first major home game is against Wasps on Monday, October 17.

“It will be a bit weird to coach against them, but at least I will know a lot about their players,” he said.

Oxford’s 32-man squad head off on their Siberian tour this Sunday, with Wade flying out on Thursday.

They will play matches against Siberian University and professional side Krasnyi Yar in Krasnoyarsk, plus a sevens tournament.

Wade said: “It will give us plenty of opportunities to look at the players.”

CONFIRMED FIXTURES

Sept 21: RC Siberian University (a). Sept 28: Krasnyi Yar (a). Oct 4: University of Queensland (h). Oct 10: Richmond (a). Oct 17: London Wasps (h). Nov 8: London Welsh (h). Nov 16: Major Stanley’s XV (h). Nov 21: Northampton Saints (h). Nov 28: Esher (a). Dec 8: Cambridge University (Twickenham).