Oxford University have cancelled Monday’s away match against Ospreys for fear of adding to their mounting injury list.

The Dark Blues were due to face the Welsh giants in the second of four consecutive matches against top-class opponents.

But head coach Murray Henderson said going without a game next week would be better in the long run.

He explained said: “We talked about it a lot and decided to call it off.

“We are going to have an opposed scrum and line-out session with Henley instead and be back in action against Cardiff on November 1.

“Our biggest problem is injuries. They are always going to be a factor in these games where you do a lot of defence and collisions.

“We want to be coming into the Varsity Match at full strength.”

The Dark Blues lack the squad depth they have had in recent years, which was shown by commercial manager Peter Wright playing for more than 40 minutes in their last two matches.

Wright, a double Blue, is not eligible for the Varsity Match, while team manager John Carter has started the last two games at No 8 despite suggesting he would be retiring.

High profile injuries include lock Tom Evans (dislocated shoulder) and flanker Jamie Gibson (broken leg).

Both are likely Twickenham starters and hope to be back playing in six weeks.

Reflecting on Monday’s 53-29 defeat to London Wasps in front of a large Iffley Road crowd, Henderson was fairly pleased.

He accepted his side had started poorly, but was happy with how they raised their game.

“These oppoents are going to be far quicker, stronger and more physical,” said Henderson.

“But the effort and character we showed was outstanding.

“I think everyone has seen that Oxford have a lot of heart and a lot of skill.

“If you play against professional clubs, then the scoreboard tends to add up.

“But we are not going to get overwhelmed.

“It was a great atmosphere with 2,000 people cheering us and we need that.”

He added: “Wasps have guys that benchpress 150kg at 19. Our 19-year-olds are more used to lifting their pens.”