CHRIS Clarke said he wants to put Oxford on the rugby league map after signing for the city’s new club.

The versatile 23-year-old forward joins Oxford, traditionally a rugby union city, from Oldham Roughyeds as they prepare for the new Championship One season.

Clarke played for Oldham since he was 17 and came through their youth system.

“I am thrilled to be here and to be a part of history,” said Clarke.

“I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and putting Oxford on the map.”

Clarke made his professional debut against Leigh in 2009 and has captained Lancashire in the past.

Oxford head coach Tony Benson said: “He is a big, strong, aggressive player, and will get us going around the field as he makes good runs.

“He is the type of player who you would want to go to war with and the sort of forward the opposition are glad to see the back of.”

Semi-professional Oxford begin their Championship One campaign on Saturday, March 31 with a trip to Gloucestershire All Golds.

Their first home game at Iffley Road is against South Wales Scorpions on April 14.