Some may have been under the assumption that rugby league was dead in Oxford after the recent collapse of semi-professional club Oxford Rugby League but those at community club Oxford Cavaliers are proving that this assumption could not be further from the truth.

Oxford Cavaliers have placed a great deal of emphasis on grassroots development over the last five years as they are a club that believes in giving youth opportunities to become active whilst being part of a team and more importantly a family. The club has been making waves in the London Youth and Junior League over the last three years with 6 of their Under 16’s players representing the club and county in the London Origin Series. This has also been a stepping stone for three of the players to gain a place on the London Broncos Scholarship Programme, one step away from playing professional rugby league (Cameron Scott and Euan Stamp pictured).

For the first time since ex Henry Box students and Oxford Cavaliers Youth players Darrell, Josh and George Griffin gained the opportunity to become full time professionals in Englands top-level professional competition The Betfred Super League, Oxford Cavaliers will be running two age groups at U14’s and U16’s in 2018 whilst running a developmental Under 12’s side. They will also see two of their youth squad members from last season (Ollie Booth and Charlie Liversage) make the step up to the men’s side in 2018 demonstrating the hard work over the past five years is starting to pay off as the player pathway at the club is clear to see.

Oxford Rugby League certainly brought an increased interest in rugby league to Oxford but it is Oxford Cavaliers who are continuing to go from strength to strength as numbers at the club are doubling each year. The Under 16’s will begin their league season with a home game at Oxford RFC on Saturday 14th April at 12pm against rivals Brentwood Eels whilst the 14’s travel to Brentwood the following weekend. The Open Age side will kick-start their season on the 12th May away to Portsmouth.