Adrian Smith paid tribute to Tony Benson after the New Zealander stepped down as Oxford Rugby League head coach.

Smith, the Iffley Road-based club’s managing director, said Benson had quit for personal reasons, but could stay involved in some capacity.

“It’s been a tough decision for both Tony and the club and one that has had to have been accepted with a heavy heart,” said Smith.

“Tony’s been a life-long friend and he has done a sterling job from day one.

“He’s got the gratitude of everyone for his work, as he’s helped put Oxford RL on the map.”

Former Leigh and Oldham boss Benson was appointed head coach after Oxford were accepted as one of three new clubs into Championship One – English Rugby League’s third tier.

He led them to a sixth-place finish and a play-off spot in 2013, but they slipped to eighth in 2014.

Smith added: “Just to reassure the supporters, the board has plans in place for taking up the coaching duties and continuing the squad’s prog-ress.”

Meanwhile, Oxford RL trio Callum Mulkeen, Graham O’Keeffe and Matty Hadden featured in Ireland’s 25-4 defeat by Scotland in the European Championship at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium.

Mulkeen and Hadden were also involved in Ireland’s 22-12 victory over France.

Ireland play Wales in their final match on Sunday.