NEW captain Conor Kearns is calling on Oxford University’s younger players to grasp an early chance to make an impression.

The 23-year-old has taken over as the Dark Blues’ new skipper from second row forward Fergus Taylor.

It is the first time Oxford have started a new year off the back of a Varsity Match defeat since 2010.

They will also need to prepare for life without 13 of December’s 23-man squad, with the likes of Taylor, Henry de Berker, Basil Strang and Henry Hughes leaving.

It presents the younger members with an opportunity to impress their new captain and, after last night’s fixture against the RAF was frozen off, they have five games to do so before the end of the academic year.

Kearns, who says it is an “honour” to be elected, is hoping they take their chance.

“I’m really interested in the younger group of players here, it’s quite exciting looking at the talent coming through,” he said.

“This term is going to be a good chance for all of those guys to put their hands up and show what they can do.

“Building for the future is definitely something I will be looking at.”

Kearns is the first Irishman to captain Oxford since Tyrone Howe in 1995.

The former Trinity College student, who is studying a Masters in pharmacology at Somerville College, has an impressive CV, having played for Munster’s under 19, 20 and A sides.

Kearns has also represented USA Under 20s, eligible due to the fact he was born in San Francisco.

The versatile back, who came on as a replacement in last December’s Varsity Match, is determined to maintain the team spirit at Iffley Road, which played a huge part in their record-breaking run of six wins at Twickenham.

He added: “I’m massively looking forward to the year ahead.

“I’m really interested in learning from Fergus and the guys that have come before.

“It’s really inspiring looking at the captains who have led the club.

“I’m all eyes and ears as to advice that they would have.”