OXFORD Cavaliers have announced Leeds Rhinos and England prop Darrell Griffin as their new honorary president.

The rugby league club hope former player Griffin’s appointment will raise their profile as they prepare for the new season.

Cavaliers also have put together a new coaching team, with former Wigan player Geoff Norris in charge, assisted by dual code Tongan international Tevita Vaikona.

Norris and Vaikona, who has also coached Oxford Harlequins this season, will take charge for the first time at pre-season training on Monday.

Griffin, who hails from Witney, said: “It was a nice surprise and a real honour.

“I look at it as a privilege to be asked.

“I came down last year to watch the Town versus Gown game and spoke to a couple of people then.

“I’ll be doing everything I can to promote the Cavaliers and rugby league in Oxford, and if I can get down for a training session, I’d be delighted to.”

Cavaliers chairman John Connaughton described all three appointments as “a real coup for the Cavaliers, and for rugby league in Oxford.”

Their league season begins on May 12.