We're proud to share that Jack Hamilton (2024, DPhil Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics) has been elected Captain of the Oxford University Rugby Football Club (OURFC) Men’s Blues for the 2025/26 season, and Harry Bridgewater (2022, Medicine) will serve as Club President. Their appointments reflect a strong Lincoln presence in Oxford’s rugby leadership and mark an exciting year ahead for the Club.

Jack’s path to Oxford Rugby

Jack began playing rugby at the age of nine with the Newcastle Wanderers in New South Wales, Australia. At 15 was he played his first regional representative rugby for the Hunter Wildfires, coached by former Wallaby Steve Merrick. “Steve was hugely influential in in my development,” said Jack, “instilled a sense of self-belief to take my rugby as far as possible.”

After finishing school, Jack joined Sydney University’s renowned U20’s Colts programme, a club with deep roots in Australian rugby, where he played for four years before moving to Oxford and joining OURFC in October 2023. He was selected in both the 2024 and 2025 Varsity Matches at halfback (number 9), and is now going into his 3rd season.

Now elected OURFC Captain, Jack said, “Iffley Road has quickly become my home away from home. I probably spend just as much time at the club as in the lab, whether it be for training, gym sessions, meetings with coaching staff, or repainting the facilities as has been the case over the last week alongside Harry and other players. I'm very proud to lead the club and I'm looking forward to giving my all to the job.”

Harry’s path to Oxford Rugby

Harry Bridgewater (2022) was introduced to rugby at a young age, first playing at Chess Valley RFC in Rickmansworth alongside his older brother. He spent several years each Sunday morning there before starting rugby at his primary school, St John’s in Northwood. He went on to develop his game over five years at Merchant Taylors’ School, where he captained the 1st XV.

Since arriving at Oxford, Harry has played three seasons for OURFC, earning Blues in three different positions: fly-half, centre, and fullback. A medical student on a six-year course, he’s looking forward to three more seasons with the club and continuing to contribute on and off the pitch.

"Every year at OURFC", he said, "brings new challenges and opportunities, and this season is especially exciting as I take on the role of president. It’s a privilege to lead a club with such a proud history, and I’m committed to building on the hard work of those who came before me." 

Looking ahead

Preparations are already underway for a full and ambitious season. With many returning Blues players, stability among the coaching staff, and new recruits joining the squad, Jack and Harry are optimistic about the year ahead.

Jack said, “We want to make our home ground at Iffley Road as open and welcoming as possible, not just to student spectators but to local rugby fans and families alike, to facilitate a real sense of community around the club. We play Friday evenings 7:15 pm throughout Michaelmas term (weekly details on the website) and would love to see some Lincolnites (past and present) in the crowd! He added, “Most importantly, having lost the last 2 Varsity Matches on the bounce, we are laser-focused on doing everything we can to prepare and perform, to make sure we bring the silverware back to Iffley Road where it belongs.”

Harry added, "The heart of OURFC is its people – a real player-led club - which creates a culture of camaraderie, resilience and shared ambition across all teams. My goal is to strengthen that culture even further, ensuring every player feels valued and supported while striving for excellence on the field. I’m looking forward to fostering strong connections between the men’s and women’s squads, engaging more with the Oxford community, and helping the next generation of players leave their own mark on the club."

Australia Tour

The Club’s ambitious plans include an historic rugby tour to Australia in January 2026, which will be OURFC's first time back Down Under in 30 years. Situated right between the 2025 Lions Tour and 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the timing couldn't be better.

Harry said, "Touring is at the very heart of the OURFC experience. Players work incredibly hard to earn a place in the touring squad, and the experience creates some of the very best memories and bonds between teammates in countries you’ll never imagine going to at such a young age."

As the tour is entirely student-funded, Jack and Harry are currently seeking financial donations on behalf of their squad. If you’re able to help, you can find out more HERE or email Jack at jack.hamilton@lincoln.ox.ac.uk.