FORMER England stars Rob Andrew and Simon Halliday reflected on their Varsity Match experiences as the teams were announced for the 125th clash.

Andrew, now the RFU's elite rugby director, won three matches for Cambridge from 1982 to 1984.

Wearing his Cambridge scarf, he said: "I'm sorry guys from Oxford, but I have got to put my colours to the mast."

Andrew added: "This match is about you, the players.

"My first Varsity Match will live with me for the rest of my life.

"It will live with me as one of the most enjoyable moments of my career.

"I would like to thank Tony Rogers for picking me in 1982. I can't believe he is still here.

"I was at the back of the team when Cambridge ran out. With the noise the crowd were making, I very nearly didn't run out."

"It was probably one of the first sides I played in that really taught me about rugby and what the spirit of rugby is all about."

Andrew spoke of the players' common cause developed tthroughout the autumn.

He said: "That cause all comes together in one 80 minutes next Tuesday.

"It is a very special moment and you will remember it forever."

Halliday is a managing director with Varsity Match sponsors Lehman Brothers and an RFU Club England committee member.

Unlike Andrew, he said he was trying to be neutral by wearing his Barbarians tie.

Halliday added: "It's just the most fantastic day for you guys.

"We always used to say you can have a poor season, but it's not a poor season if you win the Varsity Match.

"Savour the moment because it is a big day. Make those 80 minutes last that little bit longer."