Oxford Harlequins RFC
Oxford Harlequins Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club based in Oxford. In the 2013–14 season they gained promotion into the National League 3 South West which is level five of the English rugby union system. They are coached by former Plymouth Albion centre, Keni Fisilau and forwards coach Jamie Cope and Director of Rugby Stephen Chadbone.[1]
History
The club was formed in 1996 following the merger of Oxford Marathons and Oxford Old Boys rugby clubs.[2] Oxford Harlequins are now the leading club in the City of Oxford taking over from Oxford R.F.C who now play in the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Championship.[3]
Current situation
Along with Oxford R.F.C and the Oxford Rugby League the Harlequins have formed the Oxford Rugby Partnership which is developing a rugby centre of excellence at the joint facility in the village of North Hinksey in Oxford. The Oxford Rugby Partnership field five men's sides and a minis & junior section. An Academy has also been set up with the sponsorship of the Grange Mill Developments aimed at the 16–19 year age group.
The team currently plays in the South West Division.[4] Training is on tuesday and thursday evenings and matches are played on saturdays throughout the season.
In 2015 a possible merger between Oxford RFC and Oxford Harlequins failed to materialise and the Harlequins moved their matches to Marston Ferry Road while still training at North Hinksey.[5]
Honours
1st team:
- Southern Counties North champions: 2001–02
- South West Division 1 East champions (2): 2002–03, 2013–14
2nd team:
- Berks/Bucks & Oxon Premier A champions: 2006–07
4th team:
- Berks/Bucks & Oxon 2 South champions: 2004–05
References
- ^ "Oxford Harlequins profile". Pitchero.com.
- ^ "Rugby Union in Oxford". Oxford Mail.
- ^ "Oxford Harlequins history". Oxford Harlequins.co.uk.
- ^ "Fixtures and League Tables". England Rugby.
- ^ "RUGBY: Harlequins and Oxford to go their separate ways". Oxford Mail.