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13 Jul 2022

Memorable week for Oxford University Rugby League

Memorable week for Oxford University Rugby League

The British Schools and Colleges Sport (BUCS) awards took place this week – an annual celebration of individual and collective sporting success, and an opportunity to shine a spotlight on truly outstanding stories and performances.

One of the stories belongs to Oxford University Rugby League, who were crowned Club of the Year – an accolade awarded for outstanding development to a club that demonstrates remarkable efforts in overall club development, and the engagement and support of club members. There are more than 5,000 clubs in the BUCS programme, which makes Oxford’s achievement all the more remarkable.

Oxford were recognised for their focus on increasing female participation. The club restarted the Women’s team from scratch at the start of the year, and they now have over fifty members and a full committee, whilst also being the only University Women’s Rugby League club in the South of England.

The club’s efforts for growing the sport on an international level were also rewarded – their partnership with Rugby League Federation Ghana that includes donations and mentor schemes has contributed massively to the rapid growth in popularity and participation of the sport in Ghana.

The partnership is currently being taken to the next level, too. Oxford’s Men’s team are touring Ghana for a series of matches against local teams – they beat Ghana President’s XIII 26-8 in their first game, and even took on the Ghanaian national team where they fell to a defeat in a thrilling encounter.

Congratulations to Oxford University Rugby League on their award, and their constant endeavours in the development and growth of our sport – everyone involved is a credit to Rugby League.