Oxford sign All Golds forward

Oxford‘s preparations for the 2014 season have been bolstered further with the signing of back row forward Sam Blaney.

Blaney, 24, can also play in the centres and he joins Oxford after making eight appearances for fellow Championship One outfit Gloucestershire last season.

Yorkshireman Blaney started his career at Hull FC, before moving onto play for York and Sheffield prior to his move to the All Golds.

Following on from yesterday’s signing of Graham O’Keeffe, Blaney is also a student international, having represented England in the 2013 World Cup.

On making the move to the club, Blaney had this to say: “I am excited to be joining the club, the players seem to be tight knit and I am looking forward to being of part of it in the 2014 season.

“I feel I can bring a lot of experience having played at Hull FC, York and Sheffield Eagles and I am confident I can help out younger players and help progress the club.

“As a player I enjoy doing a lot of the hard graft and will hopefully bring a bit of grunt into the pack.”

Oxford head coach Tony Benson also commented: “He’s played England Students and really knows the game, and he’s very good at popping up in the right place.”