RUGBY LEAGUE: Oxford add duo to ranks (From Bicester Advertiser)

RUGBY LEAGUE: Oxford add duo to ranks

11:00am Thursday 31st January 2013 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

OXFORD Rugby League have unveiled two more players as they build towards the new Championship One season in March.

The new semi-professional club have added Oxford Cavaliers scrum half/hooker John Connaughton and wing Shaun Robinson from Oldham Roughyeds.

Connaughton is also Cavaliers’ chairman, while Robinson has scored ten tries in 27 appearances in Championship One – English rugby league’s third tier.

“I am really excited about being part of the history of rugby league in Oxford,” said Connaughton.

“Being invited back to the final trial felt like a great achievement, especially at the late age of 29.

“To go one better and be lucky enough to be part of the final squad, I didn’t think was possible.

“It’s certainly the highlight of my rugby league career. I’ve got that hunger back that I had when I was 16 training with the Halifax Blue Sox.”

Robinson said: “I cannot wait to get started. We have signed some exciting players and I believe that we can win promotion this season.”

Oxford have also announced that Tevita Vaikona has stepped down and relinquished all his roles at the club, due to family reasons.

• ANYONE looking to get involved with Oxford Rugby League is invited to attend their fans’ forum on Tuesday.

The event at Iffley Road’s pavilion starts at 6.30pm, with the club looking for stewards, programme sellers, turnstile operators and general help.

If you cannot attend, you can offer your help via email to tonycolquitt@oxfordrl.com or adrian@oxfordrl.com