OXFORD RFC are back up and running with a series of friendly fixtures.

The county’s oldest club, founded in 1909, were expected to merge with neighbours Oxford Harlequins after talks in 2011.

But that merger never happened and Oxford, who are based at the Southern Bypass ground, are now seeking old and new players and members to get involved.

First-team manager Simon Bagnall said: “We never merged. I think the RFU didn’t want that to happen, but I don’t know all the reasons why.

“They didn’t want to lose another club.

“The club has always been there and there has always been a committee to look after things.

“And now there is a side up and running again this year.”

Oxford were unable to join a league, so are playing friendlies, with Quins’ and Witney’s third teams recent opponents.

“We plan to have about 20 fixtures this year, but unfortunately most of them are going to be on Wednesdays as it is hard to get availability for Saturdays at the moment,” said Bagnall.

“More people are welcome to get back in touch.

“The aim is to let people know. We are not going away now.”

Oxford’s last season of league rugby was in 2010-11 when they played in Southern Counties North after winning promotion from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division the previous campaign.

In their heyday of the 1960s and 1970s, they were one of the region’s leading sides and provided an England international in lock Jim Parsons, who won four caps in 1968.

Anyone interested in getting involved with Oxford RFC should contact Bagnall on 07870 898658.

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