Stevens earns Oxford deal

Oxford have signed young hooker George Stevens.

Stevens, 21, has previously played for West London Sharks, Hemel Stags and St Albans Centurions, and impressed during the club’s recent trials.

He said: “I’m really glad to have joined, and to be have been selected from the players who all trialled, because in the games that I played in there was some real quality.

“I am looking forward to the season and I can’t wait to test myself on the next stage up from what I was playing last season and see how we can get on.”

Stevens, who can also play at loose forward, represented London and the south from under 12 through to under 18, and also played for the Harlequins foundation.

Head Coach Tony Benson said: “George stood out in the trials, is good with ball in hand, he is excellent at building momentum and getting the team going in the forwards and defended very well.”

Oxford are one of three new teams in Championship 1 next season, alongside Hemel and Gloucestershire All Golds.