OXFORDSHIRE will not field a side in this season’s National Under 20 Championship due to a lack of funding.

Paddy Gregan, the Oxon RFU chairman, said in a letter to clubs that the decision came after “long debate and careful consideration”.

But he explained that the county did not have enough central RFU funding to support an under 20 as well as a senior team.

The news comes despite Oxon Under 20s reaching the Shield semi-finals and a final in the last two years.

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Gregan said: “Our big regret is for the coaches and many players from Oxfordshire clubs that had already committed to this year’s programme.

“But as people in all walks of life realise these days, budgets and priorities and the delivery of core services have to be duly authorised and accounted for.”

Gregan said efforts had been made to secure sponsorship without success.

He added: “Our door always remains open to welcome financial support, which we could do with in this instance, but it seems sadly too late for this season’s under 20s group.”

Oxfordshire’s senior team will continue to play in the County Championship.

In their pool, they will host Berkshire on May 2, visit Buckinghamshire a week later and then entertain Leicestershire on May 16.

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