Oxford University have announced James Wade as their new head coach for the 2011 Varsity Match.

Wade, who will also continue in his role as London Wasps’ high performance manager, will be the Dark Blues’ third coach in three seasons.

He replaces New Zealander Murray Henderson, who steered Oxford to Varsity victory last year, and captain John Carter believes Wade will be a great acquisition.

“I’m very pleased,” said Carter. “I have seen him work before and he is tried and tested.

“I was looking through all the contacts I had. I asked James to do a couple of skills sessions with the guys last term.

“The guys took to him very well, so we offered him a more leading role.

“He is a very good coach and one of the most highly qualified around.

“He has worked a lot with academy players, which is the right sort of age group for us.

“I think he will fit in very well.”

Wade joined Wasps in 2010 after nine years at Sale Sharks where his role included academy manager.

He has also worked for both the RFU and Scottish RFU, including the 2007 World Cup as Scotland’s throwing coach.

Carter added: “He has joined us until the Varsity Match and the plan is to retain him afterwards to have a bit of continuity in our coaching structure.

“We’ll see how it goes, but I think he will do very well.”

Meanwhile, Bristol prop Wayne Thompson, a Blue in 1998, is also joining as front-row analyst.

He will do a lot of video work before joining Oxford on the training ground.

James Gaunt continues as backs coach, while Oxford are also expected to announce further appointments.

The Dark Blues’ pre-season tour will be to Siberia from September 18 to 30, with more details to follow.

l CHINNOR pair Matt Goode and Richard Williams hav ereplaced Tim Holmes as joint backs coaches.

The pair will continue as players as will lock Andy Smith, who is now forwards and conditioning coaching.

Former Wallingford director of rugby is Chinnor’s new second-team coach.