Oxfordshire players will be among the first to sample experimental laws, which are being trialled in this year's county champ- ionship.

The fixtures are being used by the International Rugby Board to try out new variations of the maul, 22 and breakdown rules.

Under the changes, mauls can be pulled down without penalty and players may break away and be bound in front of the ball-carrier.

Joining a maul from behind the back foot will be strictly enforced.

If the ball is passed or taken back into the 22 and kicked into touch, the line-out is in line with where the ball was kicked.

Entering the breakdown through the 'gate' will be rigidly enforced, a tackled player must play the ball immediately and must not be prevented doing so by any player off their feet A programme to educate players and officials started last month, led by former Scotland coach Richie Dixon and ex-international referee Ed Morrison.

David Martin, chairman of the RFU laws sub-committee, said: "The experimental laws are designed to see if there are ways to encourage a more open game.

"Rather than continually taking the ball back in the 22, there is now an encouragement for more adventure.

"The breakdown changes may speed up the supply of ball, and at the moment there is no legal way of stopping a driving maul, so it will be interesting to see the impact the changes make in that area."

JOHN Brodley (left) will be Oxfordshire's senior coach in this season's County Championship Shield.

Matt Maudsley will assist him during a warm-up game at Henley on April 23, but they have yet to confirm this post for the championship.

OXON FIXTURES County Championship Shield South Pool - May 5: Oxon v Surrey (Oxford RFC). May 12: Oxon v Cornwall (Chinnor RFC). May 19: Somerset v Oxon (Weston-super-Mare RFC).

The final will be played on May 27, with the winner of the North Pool at home.