Cornwall-based student lands Oxford contract

Reading University student Alex Wright has signed a professional contract with new Championship 1 side Oxford.

Cornwall-born Wright only took up rugby league just over a year ago, having played rugby union since the age of 10, and earned himself a place in the South East of England students side.

He said: “I’m really excited to be offered a contract at the newly formed Oxford side. I started playing Rugby League at Reading University and instantly loved the sport.

“It is so physical and so fast and I get to carry the ball a lot more than I ever did when I played union, it suits my game much more. I would just like to say a big thank you to my head coach David McMeeken who has made this opportunity possible for me, his support over the last two seasons has been imperative.”

Wright turned out for local side Plymouth Titans and Cornwall last summer, to further his rugby league development.

Student Development Officer James Szymik added: “It’s great to see more students gaining professional contracts, especially those who had never played Rugby League before. These are true products of the student game and highlight its importance in the development of the sport, not only at grassroots but also in the professional game.”

Tony Benson, Oxford head coach said: “Alex stood out in both of our trials for his sheer volume of work in both attack and defence, often starting the momentum of each set. To achieve a workload like Alex was doing in each game he obviously works hard on his conditioning, which is exactly the qualities we are looking for in our front rowers. Alex is a valuable acquisition to our squad.”