RUGBY LEAGUE: New boys avoid Welsh clash (From The Oxford Times)

RUGBY LEAGUE: New boys avoid Welsh clash

10:00am Thursday 14th February 2013 in Sport By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

OXFORD Rugby League have brought forward their debut home match in a bid to attract more fans.

The newly formed club will now take on South Wales Scorpions in Kingstone Press Championship One on Saturday, April 13 at 2.30pm.

Oxford were due to host the Scorpions at Iffley Road the following day, but that clashed with London Welsh versus Northampton in the Aviva Premiership at the Kassam Stadium.

As the club, whose slogan is “rugby league inspires”, hope to tap into a similar market as Welsh, they have opted for the fixture switch.

Oxford’s first league game is away to fellow newcomers Gloucestershire All Golds on Saturday, March 29.

Their semi-professional squad is a mix of established northern-based league players and others who have been earmarked for their potential.

Oxford’s latest signing is 23-year-old centre Matt Fiander.

Fiander has played league for Oxford Cavaliers and union for Henley Hawks.

He said: “I am hugely excited to be playing for Oxford Rugby League and look forward to a good year.

“After playing for the University of Gloucestershire, I'm looking for a new challenge in the professional world of rugby league.

“I look forward to a solid few months of pre-season to get prepared for a solid season.

“Although this will be a tough first year, I feel confident that we can solidify our place in this league as serious contenders.”

Head coach Tony Benson said: “Matt in the trial stood out in positional play, played centre and ran some really good lines.”