Ricky Hopwood is switching codes by joining Oxford RL from Chinnor.

The scrum half joins former Chinnor players Ed Vickers and Henry Swailes at the Iffley Road-based outfit.

Oxford have also been boosted by re-signing Jonny Morris and Wes Newton.

Hopwood said: “I am delighted to have been given the chance to join Oxford RL and I am looking forward to making the switch from union.

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“It’s clear that the club has big aspirations to build on its early success and I am very excited to be a part of it.”

Oxford RL team manager Ryan Cousins added: “Ricky comes to us highly recommended and has been playing at a high level in the rugby union circles.

“I’m excited to capture his signature as he is a talented individual and it will be intriguing to watch his development through pre-season and the season ahead.”

Full back Jonny Morris has been with the club since the start after successfully coming through the club’s first trial.

He made three appearances last season after finishing his degree at Leeds University, where he also played an important part in the university’s rugby league team. Cousins added: “Jonny is another local talent in the Oxford area which shows what the club is trying to do down here.

“He is quick, elusive and a very talented player.

“I am looking forward to working with Jonny for a whole season and seeing him push for a regular first-team place.”

Hooker Wes Newton has re-signed for another year, having made five appearances for the senior side last season.

Newton is also the head coach of the Oxford Brookes University Rugby League side.

Cousins said: “Wes went on a steep learning curve last season and really came on as a player.”

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