Oxford to appoint Benson

OLDHAM Rugby League Club’s still unchosen new head coach may go head-to-head with the man he will succeed at Whitebank, Tony Benson.

The New Zealander, sacked by Roughyeds six weeks ago, was expected to be unveiled today as boss of new boys Oxford as they confirm their entry into the sport’s third tier - putting them in direct competition with Benson’s former charges.

Doncaster, Barrow, Workington and Whitehaven have been promoted, leaving Oldham, Rochdale Hornets, London Skolars. North Wales Crusaders, South Wales Scorpions and Gateshead Thunder. No clubs will be demoted, which leaves four vacancies in the lower division.

Hemel Stags and Gloucestershire All Golds are already booked in for 2013. Northampton Rebels withdrew, but today’s RFL media conference at Oxford University was expected to rubber-stamp the inclusion of a new Oxford club. A fourth new club has still to be announced.


Only a small number of our daily stories appear, heavily edited, on this site. For the full story read our print or eChron editions.
Follow us on Twitter - @OldhamChronicle