OXFORD University are gearing up for a visit from the world-famous Barbarians in a contest steeped in history.

The students will entertain the invitational side at Iffley Road on Saturday, May 16, to conclude their 150th anniversary season.

It promises to be a special day for several reasons, with the Women’s Blues in action against invitational outfit Penguin International RFC’s for their first women’s fixture earlier in the day.

The Barbarians regularly face the world’s best international sides, but have not come up against the students since OURFC’s 100th anniversary in 1969.

And general manager Tim Stevens felt it was only right that the two sides meet for the latest milestone.

He said: “Our committee felt the most appropriate fixture for the men would be the Barbarians.

“The rugby landscape has changed a lot since 1969, but they’re still the premier international invitational side in the world.”

Stevens revealed it was less difficult than expected to secure the fixture, with Blues’ committee utilising their contacts within the Barbarians set-up.

It is part of a week-long tour for the invitational side, who will arrive in Oxford on Thursday, May 14 and leave three days later.

At least one uncapped player is traditionally selected for the Barbarians’ squad, but famous names are often included too.

Among the 35 players included for last autumn’s fixtures against Wales, Fiji and Brazil were former Ireland captain Rory Best and South African World Cup winner Schalk Brits.

Meanwhile, England head coach Eddie Jones was in charge against Fiji.

May’s squad could be slightly lighter on star names as the domestic and European seasons will still be ongoing, but Stevens is expecting the students to face a side packed with talent nonetheless.

He said: “We’ve no idea what sort of team they’re going to put together.

“They’ll stretch their reach as far as they can.

“They do like to have one or two high-profile players, who could be involved if their seasons have ended.”