JOE Roff says winning the Varsity Match with Oxford University would rank alongside anything he has already achieved.

Considering the 30-year-old Australian won the World Cup in 1999 and finished his international career with 82 caps and 29 tries, this is some endorsement for the Twickenham showpiece.

Roff is about to start a two-year Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) course at Harris/ Manchester College and is already training with the Dark Blues squad.

When I caught up wth him this week, he told me how he had been "re-energised" by the sessions so far.

Roff said: "To win a Varsity Match, to be quite honest, would be as special as anything I've done before.

"I've been to watch numerous Varsity Matches. I used to like staying around after Australian tours ended in November and going along to the match.

"The Varsity is the last significant amateur trophy that really keeps the spirit of rugby.

"It's really important for the game that it always has a place when everything seems to be determined by the bottom line and TV rights."

Roff is arguably the biggest name to play for Oxford University since New Zealand World Cup winning captain David Kirk in 1987.

"It's a shame more haven't come over, but most people try and stretch their careers for another year or two," he said.

Roff, whose club career has taken in ACT Brumbies, Biarritz and most recently Kubota Spears in Tokyo, approached the University - rather than being "head- hunted".

Among those who recommended life in Oxford were his friends and former Dark Blue captains Brett Robinson and John Allen.

He said: "It's still a learning experience for me, going from the professional game to university rugby, which I have not played before.

"I'm really excited about it. There is a great crowd of young guys here and their enthusiasm is just showing no limits.

"It has really re-energised me.

"I've spoken with the guys and I want to help out in any way I can.

"There are a lot of players aged 19, 20 and 21 who could have big careers in rugby. Whatever I can help out with, I will."

A winger or full back during his professional career, he stressed: "I will look to play wherever best suits the team."

Roff, who has a finance degree from the University of Southern Queensland, is living in Oxford with his wife Sarah.

He said: "The first purchase was a bike, which has been great."

"We've just been riding around the city and been awed by the atmosphere - it's fantastic."

As for the rugby, he added: "If you arrive in a new city where you don't know anyone, the first place to go is the rugby club. I am really enjoying it here."

Roff will be joining his new teammates on tour in Japan next month and it did not take him long to become one of the lads.

He said: "It only took about 30 seconds into our first training session for someone to ask whether I had seen a Jonny Wilkinson field goal before.

"You can't put yourself on a high horse, everyone is on a level playing field."

Roff is not sure what he will do after his two years in Oxford, but he believes studying and playing here will prove an ideal platform.

He said: "The next stage of my life will be completely separate from rugby.

"I think the PPE will give me a good foundation, it's quite broad."

With Roff in the team, Oxford can certainly expect increased attendances at Iffley Road this season.

And judging from our first meeting, he is clearly up for this new challenge.

VARSITY MATCH BUILD-UP September - 9: Doshisha University (Japan, away), 13: Kanto Gakuin University (Japan, away), 17: Waseda University (Japan, away). October - 3: Newbury (away), 9: tbc, 16: London Welsh (home), 23: London Wasps (home), 30: Bristol (away). November - 6: Leicester Tigers (home), 13: tbc (home), 22: Major Stanley's XV (home), 25: Loughborough University (away). December - 2: Durham University (away), 12: Cambridge University (Twickenham).