Oxford RL have announced the appointment of Tim Rumford as their new head coach.
Tim was previously involved with the Castleford Tigers Academy helping the progress of home-grown talent such as Adam Milner, Daryl Clark, Ryan Brierley, Jonny Walker and Oliver Holmes, through the ranks to the first team. Rumford’s links to the Tigers will stay in place as he remains as their Foundation Manager.
Rumford has built his coaching pedigree within the academy system, winning admirers for his structured approach to the development of players in the youth set-up. Tim also gained experience as assistant coach at Gateshead Thunder and in his playing career had spells at York and Hunslet, after beginning his career with amateur club Castleford Lock Lane.
Commenting on the appointment, Managing Director Adrian Smith said, “In Tim I believe we have a Head Coach who has the energy, desire and confidence to take up the opportunity that Oxford RL offers. He’s proved his ability to develop players as individuals as well as part of a team and that’s exactly what I want Tim to bring to our club.”
Speaking on his appointment, Tim Rumford said “Oxford are a development club which have made a solid start and the board have established a club with a feel good factor about it. I’m honoured to have been given this opportunity and I’m looking forward to starting work with the squad.”
“I was genuinely flattered as a development club to have numerous candidates in for the position, with standout CVs amongst them,” he added.
“Tim’s was one of them and he impressed us with his coaching philosophy. He’s definitely got the appetite and credentials to push Oxford forward. He is a thoughtful, determined individual and his attitude is spot on. I’m excited for both him and the squad. It’s exactly what we need to continue our momentum.“
Rumford has secured a key target immediately with the signature of Danny Allan, a former Leeds Rhinos and Featherstone Rovers half back. 25 year old Allan made his debut for Leeds back in 2008 playing seven games in Super League for the Rhinos. New head coach Rumford commented: “It’s good to have Danny with us, he’s got quality about his game and he adds a lot of experience to our group. I’m delighted he’s with us as his enthusiasm will be great in our environment and I’m looking forward to a hard working pre season with Danny in the squad.”
Allan commented “I’m excited about working with Tim and joining Oxford. I’ve heard good things about the club and I wanted a new challenge. I needed to discuss joining with my family as to make things work, I know it’s going to be demanding. They are right behind me and looking forward to next season. It’s going to need hard graft and commitment and that’s what Tim promised me!”
“I would like to say a big thank you to Castleford’s Board and Trustees for their time and faith in my development to date,” Rumford said.
“I’m also very grateful to them allowing me to go after the Oxford job which I’m also proud to have got and I will be focused on building upon a strong culture at Oxford. Instilling more self belief and confidence in everyone will count for a lot in a tough season ahead. I’m totally committed to the progress of the club and players.”
