THREE Oxford RL players have been named in Ireland’s squad for the European Championship.

Graham O’Keeffe, Matty Hadden and Callum Mulkeen are part of a 29-man group selected ahead of the tournament which begins this weekend.

Hadden, who was in last year’s World Cup squad, and his Oxford colleagues will hope to feature in Ireland’s opener against France in Dublin on Saturday.

Ireland face Scotland on October 25 and Wales on November 2.

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Meanwhile, Oxford’s assistant coach Martin Roddy has stepped down due to family commitments.

Oxford will be in the remodelled Kingstone Press League 1 competition in 2015.

The 14-team league will see two sides promoted to the Championship via play-offs.

Oxford’s new opponents include Barrow Raiders, Coventry Bears, Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions.

Next season’s fixtures will be announced at 9pm on Sunday.

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