Oxford Rugby League will visit fellow newcomers Gloucestershire All Golds in their opening Championship One fixture on Sunday, March 29.

The city’s new semi-professional club play their first home game at Iffley Road on April 14 when they entertain South Wales Scorpions.

Oxford are one of nine clubs in the revamped league whose geography ranges from Gateshead Thunder to London Skolars.

Rugby Football League (RFL) chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: “There is a real sense of anticipation surrounding the 2013 campaign.

“The introduction of Hemel, Gloucester and Oxford to the professional ranks has generated real interest in the Championship One competition.

“These clubs all offer the sport a unique opportunity to take games into areas where we haven’t been before.

“The potential to attract new fans, players and volunteers is something that we are all very excited about.

“With new clubs, new players and three new-look competitions, this is going to be the most exciting and important season ever.

“The enthusiasm with which all three clubs have embraced their introduction to the professional ranks has been a real boost to the Championships.

“Championship One is certainly pushing the game’s geographical boundaries.”

The regular season will run from March 29 to September 1, with play-offs to follow.

OXFORD RUGBY LEAGUE FIXTURES.

March 29: Gloucestershire All Golds (A). April 14: South Wales Scorpions (H). April 28: Oldham (A). May 5: Hemel Stags (H). May 12: North Wales Crusaders (H). May 26: London Skolars (A). June 2: Gateshead Thunder (H). June 9: Rochdale Hornets (A). June 23: South Wales Scorpions (A). June 30: Gloucestershire All Golds (H). July 7: Oldham (H). July 14: Gateshead Thunder (A). July 28: Rochdale Hornets (H). August 4: Hemel Stags (A). August 18: North Wales Crusaders (H). September 1: London Skolars (H).

RUGBY UNION RESULT OBB Colts League Div 1: Bicester 20 (tries R Biscoe, O Cassidy, A MacDonald, M Linfoot), Chinnor 15.