Oxford University fly half Tom Mitchell has signed a full-time England Sevens contract after impressing in the HSBC World Series.

Mitchell, who scored Oxford’s final try in their 2011 Varsity Match win over Cambridge, is one of seven players to get their first contracts.

And the 22-year-old will be spearheading the Dark Blues’ assault on the RAF Spitfires Queen’s Diamond Jubilee International Sevens title at Iffley Road tomorrow.

“It was an amazing moment being offered a full-time place in the England Sevens squad,” said Mitchell.

“Playing for England Sevens was a goal I set a couple of years ago and I have been fortunate to have been given the chance to make it a reality.”

Mitchell helped England to third place in the 2011-12 World Series and will hope to be a key player in next season’s tournament.

He also has the added incentive of appearing in the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow next June.

Mitchell will finish his studies at Oxford this summer, but will leave with good memories.

He said: “I am coming to the end of my studies this year and am looking forward to focusing on full-time rugby.

“This year at Oxford has been an amazing experience and enabled me to take the next step into the professional game.

“It is a comforting thought that university rugby is still strongly developing players to compete at the elite level.”

Oxford are led by John Carter tomorrow, who is relishing locking horns with Cambridge University again in their group match at 2.30pm.

Other teams confirmed include RAF Spitfires, Great Britain Students, Wales, Afghanistan, UWIC and Indian side Rugby Uncle.

The games start at 11.30am, with the final at 6.30pm.

Tickets are available in advance from the club offices and on the gate, costing £15 (adults), £10 (concessions) and £5 (under 12s).

All proceeds from the event will be split between three charities: The RAF Benevolent Fund, The RAF Ex-POW Association and Khelo Rugby.

  • FORMER Oxford University prop Oliver Tomaszczyk has joined Newcastle Falcons from Worcester Warriors on a two-year deal.

Tomaszczyk and his new teammates will stay in the Premiership next season if London Welsh fail in their bid for promotion.