OXFORD Rugby League have signed two of the region’s brightest prospects in Southampton Spitfires duo Andrew Hoggins and Oliver Johnson as they prepare for their debut Championship One campaign.

Hoggins, a 24-year-old centre or loose forward, has also been training with the British Bobsleigh team for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Oxford head coach Tony Benson said: “Southampton are keen for their players to progress and put the players’ names forward for our trial.

“Andrew wants to pursue the opportunity of playing a higher level of rugby league.”

Hoggins said: “I was offered a contract with North Wales Crusaders for the 2012 season, but it just wasn’t feasible for me to sign and I was still itching to play in Championship One.

“So I was really excited upon hearing that Oxford were introducing a Championship One side for the 2013 season and that I was signing for them.”

He is joined by 22-year-old by English Lions winger or centre Johnson, who recently toured Canada with the amateur international side, scoring a try hat-trick against the Canadians.

“Oli is big and strong, is a good runner and has excellent communication skills,” said Benson.

Johnson said: “I’m looking forward to having our first fitness testing session together this weekend. It is clear there are a lot of good players that have been signed.”