Castleford Tigers announce partnership with Oxford

The agreement will aid player development for both teams, help Oxford with behind the scenes professionalism, and give Castleford a healthy environment for its young players to thrive.

Oxford’s chief executive Adrian Smith said: “Castleford Tigers are a club which have set standards within the modern era of the game and we hope to learn from their philosophies and approach to developing players.

“I’ve been a Cas fan from being a lad and I’m delighted to be partnered with a club that means so much to me.

“Being linked with Cas will help us gain more cut through to deliver our mission of bringing rugby league to Oxford and the surrounding areas.”

Oxford RL already has a strong link with the Tigers, as head coach Tim Rumford leads the Tigers Trust Community Foundation and has helped develop a number of players through the Tigers youth and academy teams in the past.

He said: “I’m very excited at the prospect of this partnership, it’s positive and encouraging for the club and that’s what we need to ensure steady progress of rugby league in Oxfordshire.

“To have a heartland Super League club supporting the expansion of the game and helping us in achieving our goals on and off the field is a big boost.”

Tigers chief executive Steve Gill said: “We’ve initially set up a season long agreement, which will help in the development of our young players and also help develop Rugby League outside the ‘heartlands area’.

“After speaking with the officials from Oxford, I felt a real desire for them to work in partnership with us, and for us to help them develop even further.”

Tigers head coach Daryl Powell is excited by the new partnership. He said: “I’m really pleased that we have been able to set up a dual registration agreement with Oxford. It will give us a great opportunity for our players to play vital games in a good environment.

“Championship One is a strong competition and I look forward to working with Tim Rumford and Oxford RL so that both clubs can benefit from this agreement.

“We have some quality young players who will add to the Oxford team and also enhance their growing reputation as players during the coming season.”