OXFORD University winger Tom Stileman says this weekend’s tour of Croatia will prove a crucial team-bonding exercise ahead of the Varsity Match.

The Dark Blues take on Cambridge University at Twickenham on December 8, bidding for a historic seventh victory in a row.

For a second successive year, Oxford are heading to Zagreb as part of their preparations.

They will face Croatia on Saturday, in between sightseeing and watching an ice hockey game, before returning on Monday.

Stileman, who was a fresher for last year’s trip, knows first-hand the benefits of the tour for new players integrating into the squad.

The 20-year-old, who studies earth sciences at St Peter’s College, said: “Getting away as a side is always a bonding experience.

“So very much a part of that is getting the group away from uni, the work, the desk, and getting us to gel together as a team.

“Also it is a great opportunity to play a national side and test ourselves, so we’re looking forward to it.”

On Monday, Oxford conceded eight tries in a 50-0 defeat to Northampton Wanderers at Iffley Road.

Stileman played the full 80 minutes and remains upbeat.

He said: “It was a difficult game, but we want to really toughen up, get our structure in defence and push on from there.”

The squad have been together for just over a month, playing six matches in that space of time.

And with 49 days to go until the 135th Varsity Match, the winger, who was man-of-the-match at Twickenham last year, is looking forward to the increase in intensity over the coming weeks.

He said: “Every season is very different and that has been the case for this one too.

“It has been good so far, it will be an exciting season, and it is looking good.”