OXFORD University rarely need old boots and shirts – but they have been inundated with second-hand kit over the last few weeks.

Local clubs have been among those to hand over unwanted items and it is all as a result of the Dark Blues’ chosen destination for a two-week pre-season tour – Madagascar.

After being approached by the national team, ranked 50th in the world, Oxford’s head strength and conditioning coach, Sy Wiggall, decided he wanted to give something back to an African island obsessed with rugby.

Upon discovering a family friend had links to the team, whom Oxford will play on September 16 and 23, he found out about an initiative called ‘Boots for Madagascar’.

With the majority of children playing the sport in bare feet, Oxford are now doing their bit to help.

Wiggall, who also runs the Oxford Youth Strength & Conditioning Academy, said: “I asked parents if they had spare boots and I contacted local teams – they have given me boxes full of boots and shirts.

“After that I’m now thinking this is going to work.

“All the boots we’ve had so far are only a couple of months old, because kids grow out of them so quickly.

“I want to start the ball rolling and make it a constant thing.

“It’s an effortless opportunity to give something back.

“If you travel around developing countries, the kids go mad for anything and most of the boots will be quite florescent – gone are the days when they were just black!”

Oxford’s tour will last for just over a fortnight between September 11-24, while the women’s side are heading to Barcelona between September 13-19.

Those who have any boots and kit still in a suitable condition, should contact Wiggall on sywiggall@gmail.com.