SIMON Halliday says the Varsity Match still retains huge importance in the rugby world.

The former England wing/centre and Oxford Blue has strong links to this year's clash as he now works for new sponsors Lehman Brothers.

And having played in three Varsity Matches and a World Cup final at Twickenham, he was crucial to Lehman Brothers coming on board.

Halliday, the investment bank's managing director, European equity sales, said: "The Varsity Match attracts the biggest crowd of any amateur game in the rugby calendar.

"It is probably the highest profile university sporting occasion globally, and in terms of student rugby it is certainly the most important game the team will ever play."

He added: "I am still very involved with the RFU and, therefore, knew that MMC would no longer be sponsoring the Varsity Match.

"I thought it would make a good fit with Lehman Brothers."

Halliday won his first Varsity Match in 1979, but lost in 1980 and 1981.

He said: "The biggest thrill was winning the first match I played in, it made my whole season.

"The run up to the match was very important and it was the main focus on campus through the Christmas term.

"But the actual game goes in a flash!

"I played in three Varsity Matches and all of them were important.

"Being part of the winning team really helped me gain confidence in the game and my ability."

Like many former Blues, Halliday says his Varsity Match experience was a key stepping stone.

He said: "We competed against top clubs and many of those had internationals.

"So as a Blue, I had my first experiences of battling against first class players. It was the platform of my rugby career."

And a prediction for December 12?

Halliday said: "Oxford have won 52 matches out of 124, 14 of which were draws, so they have a bit of catching up to do.

"But it is going to be a tough game. To be fair to both teams, I'd say a 34-all draw."