Tevita Vaikona has joined the board of directors at Oxford Rugby League Club as they prepare to enter the semi-professional Championship One competition next year.

Oxford will join fellow newcomers Hemel Stags and University of Gloucestershire All Golds in the restructured format and will play their home games at the University of Oxford’s historic Iffley Road ground.

Former Bulls star Vaikona, who enjoyed a successful spell at Bradford & Bingley RUFC, is currently director of rugby at Oxford Rugby Football Club in North Hinksey, where the new Oxford Rugby League Club will be based for training and administration.

The club have also unveiled Tony Benson, who has previously coached Championship clubs Leigh Centurions and Oldham, as their head coach.

RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “Oxford have assembled an extraordinarily strong, experienced and credible board who will provide first-class leadership off the pitch.

“I am sure we can look forward to them putting an exciting and competitive team on the field.”