GEORGE Cullen is eyeing one last outing in a Dark Blues jersey when Oxford University take on representative side Penguins next month, writes JACK JOHNSON.

The 22-year-old is in the final year of his part-time Master’s degree in sustainable urban development and has enjoyed a successful period at Iffley Road.

Cullen played a major role as the Dark Blues won their fifth and sixth successive Varsity Matches in 2014 and 2015.

The fly-half has not played for Oxford since kicking all his side’s points in their tense 12-6 victory over Cambridge University at Twickenham last December.

But he is hoping to feature for a final time on March 2.

Cullen said: “I’m hoping to play in the Penguins game.

“It will give me a chance to run out at Iffley Road in dark blue for the last time.”

He added: “Winning the two Varsity matches in 2014 and 2015 will stick out as special memories.

“But I think just being a part of such a special club environment and the incredible friendships I’ve made are what will stay with me forever.”

Cullen is second behind former Ireland international David Humphreys for the most points scored by an Oxford player in a Varsity Match, with his haul of 18 in 2014’s 43-6 victory.

And the former Bishop’s Stortford College pupil has Varsity rugby in his genes, with father John winning three Blues for Cambridge.

Cullen applied to both universities and went on to become a thorn in the Light Blues’ side, scoring 30 points overall.

But despite not following in his father’s footsteps at Cambridge, the half back took no extra satisfaction in beaten them on the field.

He added: “I got offered a place at Oxford and not at Cambridge – the rest is history.

“I certainly had no other motivation to win other than to do it for the guys either side of me on the pitch.”

Cullen was calmness personified as he steered the Dark Blues to victory last year and revealed he was almost revelling in the pressure, with Oxford trailing 6-3 after 59 minutes.

“I don’t really let myself feel the pressure,” he said.

“I almost quite enjoy it in a way and just try to focus on the process and let the result take care of itself.

“If you practise the process enough and embrace the occasion then it normally turns out alright.”

Cullen is playing for his boyhood club Bishop’s Stortford in National League 2 South and also working for a surveying firm in the town, but he still harbours dreams of playing at a higher level.

He said: “I am certainly very driven to try and further my rugby career while I am still at a relatively young age.

“I’m pretty intent on playing at the highest level I possibly can so we will see where that will take me.”

  • BANBURY will take on either Chinnor 2nd or last year’s beaten finalists Oxford Harlequins in the last four of the Oxfordshire Cup.

In the other semi-final, Witney will host Henley 2nd.

Ties are scheduled to be played on February 27-28.