Joe Roff believes Oxford University are shaping up well after some good performances on their Japanese tour.

The former Australian international scored four tries in the three matches - a hat-trick in their 35-28 victory over Doshisha University and one in their 22-20 loss to Waseda.

A winger or full back in his professional days, Roff has starred as a centre for the Dark Blues, but stressed no positions are confirmed yet.

He said: "I really enjoyed the tour. I thought we were really unlucky not to win our last game against Waseda.

"The tour built a great foundation for what will hopefully be a successful season.

"It was excellent, both from a playing perspective and building the closeness of the team.

"There is still a lot of work to do in terms of combinations, but it was great to be able to contribute to the team.

"I liked playing in the centre, but there's some tinkering to be done between now and the Varsity Match in December."

Oxford's next match is against Portugal in Lisbon on Sunday.

Roff joked: "University rugby should always be like this in exotic locations, but there is plenty of hard graft to come."

Oxford's second match in Japan saw them lose 17-7 to Kanto Gakuin University with flanker Doug Abbott driving over for their try.

Skipper Kevin Brennan and winger Chris Haw scored their other tries against Waseda.

FORMER Oxford University Under 21 scrum half Alan Edington has joined Italian top flight club Parma.

Edington, who also played for Oxford Harlequins last season, made his debut in Parma's 23-17 Super 10 victory over Rovigo.

The Scot has signed a contract until December and could feature against Glasgow in the European Challenge Cup next month.