RUGBY UNION: Local trio out to shine (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Local trio out to shine

10:00am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Rugby By Ed Mezzetti, Sports reporter specialising in Rugby, Cricket and Athletics. Call me on 01865 425456

THREE players with strong local links head up Oxford University ’s recruits for the new season.

Flanker Gus Jones, who was England Under 18 captain last season and lives in Oxford, is among the leading undergraduate recruits.

The former Oxford Harlequins junior is part of Wasps’ academy.

Tight-head prop Bob Baker, who came through the ranks at Chinnor, joins as a postgraduate after leaving Wasps at the end of last season.

Flanker Alex Waddingham, who starred in Chinnor’s promotion campaign last season, is another new player in the Dark Blues ranks and could end up vying with Jones for the No 7 shirt.

Oxford University captain John Carter said: “There are a few younger players with very good rugby pedigrees.

“I expect we will see a lot of them alongside the more experienced players.”