Oxford star selected in Germany squad

Oxford centre Andrew Hoggins has been selected in the Germany squad for their upcoming European Shield games.

The Germans take on Serbia in Belgrade on May 18, host Italy in Karlsruhe on July 27 and travel to face Russia in Moscow on August 10.

Hoggins, 24, was born in Lippstadt while his father served there in the forces, and also has a German grandmother.

He said: “I am obviously honoured to represent Germany in what should be three very tough games.

“I also think as a result of the last few months training and playing for Oxford I should be able to bring far more to the team as I did previously and look forward to the challenge.”

Hoggins already has two caps to his name, scoring a try on his full international debut against Norway in July 2011, and also playing against Malta as Germany won the 2011 European Shield.

He wasn’t selected in 2012 due to his commitments with the Winter Olympic Bob Skeleton team, which he has since withdrawn from. He signed for Oxford in December 2012, and has made four appearances in Championship 1 this season.