The University of Oxford RFC was founded in 1869, fifteen months before the creation of the Rugby Football Union. The first Varsity Match was played in February 1872 in Oxford at 'The Parks', the following year the return game was played in Cambridge on Parker's Piece. In 1874 it was decided that the game be played on a neutral ground.
The University of Oxford RFC and the Rugby Football Union were founded in 1869, fifteen months apart. The first Varsity Match between Oxford and Cambridge took place in February 1872 at 'The Parks' in Oxford, with the return game played on Parker's Piece in Cambridge the following year. In 1874, it was decided to play the match on neutral ground.