Norway rugby league herald best-ever season
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FROM: RUGBY LEAGUE NORGE
DATE: 30 November, 2017
CONTACT: anne.haigh
NORWAY RUGBY LEAGUE HERALD BEST-EVER SEASON
In their first campaign, Stavanger Storm have finished top of the expanded Norwegian rugby league championship, ahead of Porsgrunn Pirates. The season saw a seven-team competition, with sides spread over 1,800km, complete all the scheduled games, along with the national side competing in four fixtures, all unbeaten, in what is the most successful Norge RL campaign to date.
“Forty games being played without a single forfeit is a major step forward,” said chairman Lee Johnson. “We now look to the future with a strategic plan to develop better skills among the players. We also look forward to taking on new and stronger opposition within Europe and to do our best in the 2021 World Cup qualifiers.”
Norway also played their first junior international in 2017, against Serbia U18s, two 9s tournaments and now have 11 clubs actively training, with three newcomers set to play in the first 9s competition next year.
“We also focus on staging an event rather than a game,” added Johnson. “The intention is to recruit more youngsters to take us to the next level. We have already booked a trip to Serbia for a school team, Nannestad Norsemenn. Clubs are reporting record numbers in training and the interest in rugby league has never been higher. Significantly, the sport has also had a lot of exposure in the media, especially after our Nordic Cup triumph.”
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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Cameron Smith and Teuila Fotu-Moala named as Rugby League’s Players of the Year
Australian Captain Cameron Smith and New Zealand Kiwi Ferns star forward Teuila Fotu-Moala have received the prestigious individual international player awards today (Wednesday) at the official Rugby League World Cup 2017 Grand Final luncheon at the Sofitel Brisbane attended by all four finals teams.
The Australian hooker narrowly edged out Tongan forward Jason Taumalolo with England winger Jermaine McGillvary being named in 3rd place for the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Golden Boot Award.
The presentation of the RLIF Golden Boot was made by RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood and caps an outstanding year for Smith who has led the undefeated Australian team with distinction, winning his 50th cap for the Kangaroos during 2017.
Smith also won the 2017 Dally M Medal, 11 years after winning his first Medal, and led the Melbourne Storm to the NRL Premiership. He has been an ever-present force in the Australia team during 2017, kicking 24 goals to date in the 2017 World Cup and surpassed Clive Churchill’s record for most consecutive Tests.
RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood said: “Cameron has secured his place as one of the greats in the history of Rugby League.
“His outstanding performances edged out Jason Taumalolo whose performances in this World Cup played a major role in the excitement and colour which Tonga brought to the 2017 World Cup.
“Cameron is a deserving recipient of the Golden Boot and is recognised by his peers and followers of our sport as a truly exceptional player.
“I join the nominations panel and my colleagues on the RLIF Board in congratulating Cameron.”
The presentation of the Women’s World Cup Player of the Tournament was made by RLIF Chief Executive David Collier to the New Zealand star forward Teuila Fotu-Moala.
Fotu-Moala has scored three tries in three games but it is the strength of her defence which has shone the spotlight on her performances.
Nicknamed “Jukebox” by former Australian captain Darren Lockyer, because “the hits keep coming”, she is among the leaders in most statistical categories per game in the World Cup – 3rd for run metres, 3rd for line-breaking assists, 5th for tackle breaks, 2nd for post-contact metres and 6th for line-engaged runs.
Teulia was also named New Zealand Women’s Player of the Year in 2017, establishing her as one of the top female players in the world game.
Collier said: “Teuila has been devastating in both attack and defence and is a punishing runner of the football.
“She has laid the foundation for the Ferns’ outstanding run in the tournament and has been the leading forward in the competition.
“I thank the broadcaster of the women’s event for their role in the nominations process and Rugby League World Cup 2017 for their delivery of the first Women’s World Cup held in parallel with the men’s competition which has significantly enhanced the development of women’s Rugby League.
“I join the Board of the RLIF in congratulating Teuila on this well-deserved award.”
Rugby League fans in Brisbane will be able to see both Smith and Fotu-Moala in action when the double-header World Cup Finals between Australia and New Zealand (women) and Australia and England (men) are held on Saturday at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday (2 December).
Tickets are available from www.rlwc2017.com
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Cameroon rugby league awarded observer status
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FROM: RLEF MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 28 November, 2017
CONTACT: phil.caplan / +44 7850719412
CAMEROON RUGBY LEAGUE AWARDED OBSERVER STATUS
The RLEF board has awarded observer status to Cameroon Rugby League XIII, an association based in Yaoundé, the nation’s capital city.
“Rugby league will give Cameroonian youth strong human and social values; solidarity, courage and citizenship,” said CRLXIII chairman Samuel Tayou. “Physically, rugby league is well suited to Africans and the game is just spectacular.”
Tayou heads a seven-strong executive committee which was elected by its 26 Directors in 2017, in line with the French system. However, the Cameroon story is now in its sixth year and currently involves eight member clubs: Yaoundé-based Dragons RL, Bulls RL, Raiders RL, Petou Institut RL and Panthers RL; plus Nyété Bulls, Babadjou RL and Kumba RL. Another five clubs are in the process of being formed.
“Everything started in 2012 with (former Kangaroo international) Michael Hancock in Brisbane, who embraced my idea to set up rugby league in Cameroon,” explains Carol Manga, CRLXIII’s general and development manager, who worked in the medical profession in Australia. “Back then I just wanted to give something back to the youth that they could enjoy at home.
“I brought a bit of Cameroon to Australia and now I’ve taken a part of Australia back with me! I would like to thank everyone involved, especially the Australian and Cameroonian governments and rugby league officials Tas Baitieri, Brad Fittler and Remond Safi who supported this idea. Now it’s representing hope to many young people in Cameroon, a way to teach and educate through rugby league.”
The CRLXIII’s current two-year development plan concentrates on four objectives: obtaining government recognition, a target being supported by the French rugby league federation, which is already in correspondence with the Cameroonian sports ministry; the creation of four geographical groups to administer the sport regionally; establishing competition, youth, technical education and development commissions, which will be charged with growing the sport at grassroots level; and entering the Emerging Nations World Cup in Sydney in 2018.
Cameroon is the latest African country to be accepted by the RLEF following Ghana in 2014 and joining Burundi, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. RLEF Middle East Africa director Remond Safi is also reviewing an application from two other African countries, and is in contact with others interested in developing the sport there. He is also drawing up plans to take each country from observer to affiliate member status.
“Africa is an important region for the sport,” said Safi. “It has 1.2 billion people and the African Union recognises 54 countries. Rugby league’s universality will be strengthened through African development and we have the opportunity to partner with many more governments which should eventually lead to IOC and GAISF full member recognition.”
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
The Rugby League International Federation congratulates finalists in RLWC2017
Following a pulsating semi-final between England and Tonga, played in front of a capacity 30,000 crowd in Auckland, England booked their place to face Australia in the Men’s Rugby League World Cup Final in Brisbane on Saturday December 2.
The RLIF Chief Executive David Collier commented:
“The Tonga v England semi- final showcased the very best of Rugby League. The match was honoured by the presence of His Majesty King Tupou VI and the fans support for both teams created an electric atmosphere with the match providing wonderful entertainment for fans around the world.”
“This World Cup has been enriched by the performance and colourful support provided by the Pacific nations and in particular I wish to congratulate Tonga and Fiji on reaching the semi-final stage. For Fiji this was their third consecutive World Cup semi-final but Tonga, in their first semi- final, have provided memories which will live long in the hearts of rugby league supporters.”
Ten time winners Australia will play in their 14th consecutive final against and England whose three wins in World Cup Finals have all been in Great Britain shirts with their most recent win being achieved in 1972. The two nations last met in the Final in 1995 at Wembley when Australia took the Paul Barrière World Cup by the narrow margin of 16-8.
The Kangaroos have been in imperious form conceding only three tries in their five games but will come up against a Wayne Bennett inspired England team who will be looking to avenge the opening game defeat in Melbourne.
The progress which the international game is making has been exemplified by the Women’s World Cup which has been run alongside the Men’s competition with both Finals being played at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, a first in world sport.
Following the semi-finals the two outstanding teams in Women’s Rugby League, the Australian Jillaroos and the New Zealand Ferns reached the Final by defeating Canada and England respectively in the semi-finals.
The Women’s player of the tournament will be revealed on Wednesday as part of the Final’s lunch from the following shortlist:
- Ali Brigginshaw (Australia)
- Honey Hireme (New Zealand)
- Teuila Fotu-Moala (New Zealand)
Collier concluded: “I congratulate all the finalists and I would urge fans to come to the Suncorp Stadium to watch what should be a wonderful double header of World Cup Finals”.
Tickets are available via www.rlwc2017.com.
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RLIF, 20 Fitzroy Square, London, Greater London W1T 5HP, United Kingdom
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Rugby League International Federation Announces Short-List For Golden Boot Award
The most prestigious individual accolade in International Rugby League is set to be awarded at the Gala Finals luncheon on Wednesday November 29 in Brisbane when the Rugby League International Federation will present the iconic RLIF Golden Boot.
The Golden Boot recognises outstanding performance in, and contribution to international Rugby League, and is nominated by a panel comprising international coaches and the media.
Six players from the Australian team, three England players and one each from Fiji, Lebanon, New Zealand and Tonga were nominated by the panel which been whittled down to a four-man shortlist based on those receiving the most nominations.
The shortlist is as follows:
Cameron Smith (Australia)
Jason Taumalolo (Tonga)
Jermaine McGillvary (England)
Suliasi Vunivalu (Fiji)
The nominating panel comprised Kangaroos Coach Mal Meninga, Scotland Coach Steve McCormack together with journalists Steve Mascord and Martyn Sadler.
Cameron Smith, 34 has led the undefeated Australian team with distinction winning his 50th cap for the Kangaroos during 2017. Smith who this season led Melbourne Storm to the Premiership has been an ever present during Australia’s World Cup campaign converting 24 goals and surpassed Clive Churchill’s record for most consecutive Tests with his 36th Australian match in a row in the group game in Canberra.
North Queensland star Jason Taumalolo has been the talisman for Tonga’s remarkable World Cup campaign. Taumalolo, 24, has led the Mate Ma’a from the front with impressive performances in their wins over Scotland, Samoa, New Zealand and Lebanon and became the first forward in NRL history to run for over 5,000 metres in a season during 2017.
Winger Jermaine McGillvary, 29, has had an outstanding World Cup campaign scoring 7 tries for England on their way to the World Cup Final. The Huddersfield Giants star is appearing in his first World Cup and is England’s leading metre maker.
Fiji’s Suliasi Vunivalu is the tournament’s second top try scorer crossing the whitewash 9 times as Fiji have scorched a path to the semi-finals. Vunivalu, 21 made his international debut against Tonga in 2017 and the Melbourne Storm winger has been the stand out player in the Bati’s campaign.
The RLIF Chief Executive David Collier commented:
“The RLIF is grateful for the panel in providing these nominations for the shortlist which represents all four nations competing in the World Cup Semi-Finals. It is an outstanding list which will produce a worthy winner of the Golden Boot when it is awarded at the Finals lunch.”
Having held a highly successful Women’s World Cup in parallel with the Men’s competition the Women’s Player of the World Cup will also be presented at the Finals lunch. The Women’s competition reaches the Semi-Final stage at Cronulla on Sunday November 26 with the Final being played at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane as a double header with the Men’s Final on Saturday December 2.
David Collier further commented:
“The Women’s World Cup has been hugely successful with excellent crowds at Cronulla and is show-casing the huge progress which has been made in Women’s Rugby League. I would encourage all fans of the sport in Sydney to attend the Semi-Finals on Sunday and the Final in Brisbane.”
Ends
Note to editors: The shortlist for the Women’s award will be announced on Sunday November 26 .
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Ukraine rugby league report successful season
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FROM: UKRAINE RUGBY LEAGUE FEDERATION
DATE: 23 November, 2017
CONTACT: Artur Martyrosyan (arturrugby)
LEGION XIII DOMINATE UKRAINIAN SEASON
UFRL president Artur Martyrosyan Jnr has complimented all the sides who played this season, which has seen further, steady progress for the sport . “We have completed another excellent season of senior and junior rugby league,” he said. “I would like to congratulate all the teams that have participated, and those that have had success this year.”
Legion XIII were once again the champion side, beating ‘Sokil’ Lvov in the Grand Final to maintain their run of domestic dominance, 2017 seeing them go through unbeaten and conceding their fewest number of points in games.
In the capital, Spartac Stadium saw locals Kiev RLC – the runners-up in the Cup to Legion – face Veres from Rivne to contest third place, the visitors triumphing 40-26, the match having been level at the break.
Fifth to eighth positions were held respectively by Korzo (Uzhhorod), Korabel (Mykolaiv), MSU (Mukachevo) and Kiev Rebels.
Six teams contested the Cup of Ukraine, played in a 9s format for the first time, in Kiev.
“Competition has been good, participation numbers are increasing and we are looking forward to hearing how the qualifiers will work for the next World Cup after the success of the current one,” Martyrosyan added.
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.
The RLEF is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law).
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that opening this message and/or any of its attachments will not adversely affect its systems. No responsibility is accepted by the RLEF. If you are not the named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the e-mail from your system.
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
Lebanon Rugby League Federation buoyed by reaction to World Cup success back home
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Date: 22 November, 2017
Contact: Remond Safi | +961 3 404345 | info
LRLF BUOYED BY REACTION TO WORLD CUP
“Unprecedented media coverage of the Cedars’ World Cup campaign will lead to increased support at all levels,” claims Lebanon Rugby League Federation president Mohamed Habbous, after the side made the quarter finals for the first time, thereby ensuring their qualification for the next tournament in England in 2021.
“After the first-up pool win against France in Canberra they took significant notice,” added Habbous, who hails from Tripoli, north Lebanon. “We’ve been trying to tell them how strong the team is and how powerful a tool it can be to unite the country and they really saw that after that result.”
Before departure to the tournament, LRLF directors Sami Garabedian and Nayef Abisaid appeared on four lengthy TV features with broadcasters OTV, LBC, New TV and Al Manar. LBC and MTV have had reporters in situ following the campaign, and the country’s print media has provided extensive coverage of a sport it has become increasingly familiar with over the past 15 years. All the major radio stations have kept their listeners updated of the historic progress.
In-depth features have also appeared on the BBC, BBC Arabic and in UK newspapers The Times, Guardian and Daily Telegraph, and then Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri tweeted his congratulations following the France victory. The Lebanese fans, in Sydney in particular, made further headlines bringing colour, noise and atmosphere to the games against England and Australia, whilst the nation was on the edge of its seat as the gallant Cedars just went out to Tonga in Wellington.
“We started getting lots more requests from various outlets,” continued Habbous, who played for Balamand university in the LRL competition. “We need to consolidate our position now by driving home how professional the organization is on limited funds and what we’ve accomplished in the name of the country. It’s beyond parallel compared to any other federation here. We can now compete proudly against nations who we could only dream of playing in other sports.”
Minister of State Pierre Raffoul officially represented the president of the republic along with the ambassador and consular general at the match against the Kangaroos, and increased government support is one of the LRLF’s targets, in addition to retaining strong links with the Lebanese-Australian community.
A number of companies are speaking to the LRLF to support multi-year development projects in Lebanon, including funding youth academies and affirmative action to use rugby league players to ensure talent and leadership remains there rather than emigrating.
“Our sponsors have been excellent,” Habbous acknowledged. “We are indebted to Chalouhi, Holdmark, PTC, Dental on Evaline, Zahli, Speedway, Jasaara Construction, Trinity Construction, Icon Construction, Excite and Fita – an impressive list.
“We hope that we have made them proud. Their support means so much to us, without it we couldn’t have done as well as we did. They allowed us to focus on the rugby side of things and we hope their continued support in the future will lead to even better results. We aim to keep the same level of excellence and standards in all our upcoming events, especially the mid-season international just announced against fellow quarter finalists Papua New Guinea.
“We’ve also learned so much about relations with the Australian-Lebanese community. Our mission remains to promote rugby league so that it contributes in some way to the betterment of Lebanon’s civil society.”
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.
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It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that opening this message and/or any of its attachments will not adversely affect its systems. No responsibility is accepted by the RLEF. If you are not the named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the e-mail from your system.
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
Honours shared as Serbia rugby league report best-ever domestic season
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Contact: Miloš Šakan T +381 64 39 777 63 |
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| From: | Serbian Rugby League Federation / Belgrade |
| Date: | 20 November, 2017 |
HONOURS SHARED AS SERBIA RUGBY LEAGUE REPORT BEST-EVER DOMESTIC SEASON
The honours have been shared as the Serbian rugby league season comes to an end, after Partizan held on to defeat rivals Red Star 32-26 to win the inaugural, regional Balkan Super League title, at the FK BASK Arena in the capital city, in the second ‘battle of Belgrade.’
The competition, which is scheduled to expand in 2018 with more nations and teams involved, also featured sides from Turkey, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The week before, for the second time in their history, Red Star became Serbian champions after defeating Partizan 44-22 in the SRL Grand Final, held at the Ada Ciganlija Stadium.
The Balkan Super League decider saw the lead change hands four times in the first half. But touchdowns from the competition’s leading try scorer, Vladimir Milutinović, and Branko Čarapić in five minutes in the lead up to the break – which established a 28-16 for Admir Hadžić’s Partizan side – turned out to be crucial.
Red Star’s fight back was too late, Brodie Feeney with a brace of touchdowns.
“It was a wonderful match and an amazing victory for us,” said Hadžić, who was carried shoulder high by his side. “The guys thought all week about what went wrong the previous Sunday and they played motivated from the start.”
SRLF general secretary and Balkan SL tournament director Slobodan Manak reflected on a highly satisfactory campaign. “Overall, including the inaugural season of Balkan Super League, Serbian clubs in both tiers of club competition played a total of 64 games,” he noted.
“It was important for the SRLF to strengthen club competition so that younger players have more chance to gain valuable experience and get quality matches, to prepare them for international tests and the next round of World Cup qualifying.
“That was the driving force behind the founding of the Balkan Super League, it was a challenging decision because of the increasing number of matches that clubs needed to partake in. This is now a semi-professional work load but it paid dividends because, for the first time, three teams equally challenged for the domestic title.”
Manak added: “Holders Dorcol started the season by winning the Super Cup but then their traditional dominance ended. Both Red Star and Partizan showed more during a season that had many surprising results, not least Radnicki Nis gaining historic wins against both Dorcol and Red Star.
“Partizan also won the Serbian Cup, led by the performer of the season, stand off Vladimir Milutinović, who is the leader in both points and tries scored.
“It was a hard and long season even though we didn’t have as many Test matches for our national team, which was the biggest difference from 2016. That’s why we composed a busy club schedule and the top Serbian clubs played as many matches as English or French second tiers sides, which is a great accomplishment.”
BALKAN SUPER LEAGUE FINAL
PARTIZAN 32
Pavle Vojinović, Ronaldo Bitići, Nikola Srbljanin, Vlado Kušić, Žarko Kovačević, Vladimir Milutinović, Džavid Jašari, Petar Kovač, Dragan Janković, Mihajlo Ilić, Denis Bibić, Dario Abidinović, Jasmin Bibić
Subs: Dušan Milutinović, Denis Bajrami, Branko Čarapić, Milan Despinić
Tries: Dušan Milunitović (’7), Vlado Kušić ’(16, ’48), Mihajlo Ilić (’20), Vladimir Milutinović (’34), Branko Čarapić (’39)
Goals: Džavid Jašari 4/6
RED STAR: 26
Miloš Zogović, Ilija Krstić, Mark Pulen, Petar Milanović, Dragan Vasiljević, Stefan Nikolić, Vojislav Dedić, Danilo Kasanović, Vladislav Dedić, Slobodan Milenković, Miloš Ćalić, Adam Pavlović, Jack O’Brian
Subs: Brodie Feeney, Niall Braniff, Nenad Žujić, Slobodan Manak
Tries: Jack O’Brian (’5), Petar Milanović (’13), Miloš Zogović (’32), Brodie Feeney (’55, ’62)
Goals: Vojislav Dedić 2/4, Stefan Nikolić 1/1
Sin bin: Dragan Janković
Half time: 28-16
Referee: Radoslav Novaković
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
Canada Ravens debut in women’s rugby league world cup
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: CANADA RUGBY LEAGUE ASSOCIATION
DATE: 16 November, 2017
CONTACT: Paul O’Keefe paulok
RAVENS MAKE THEIR BOW
Canada Ravens team manager and CRLA president Paul O’Keefe believes that the debut of the women’s team in the World Cup in Sydney will be a massive benefit to the sport back home.
The Ravens eventually went down 50-4 to New Zealand on their bow, having only been behind 16-4 at the break and, when back-rower Megan Pakulis crossed in the first period, they were level with the Silver Ferns, who have won three of the four Women’s World Cups to date.
“After discussions with Nigel Wood and David Collier of the International Federation in December 2015, we expressed interest in developing women’s rugby league in Canada,” O’Keefe said from Cronulla.
“With the exposure of the World Cup, we expect to see women across Canada being keen to try the sport,” he continued. “Our preparation started well and we were able to select a very good coaching staff under the leadership of head coach Mike Castle, who works for the NRL in Australia. With the assistance of valuable sponsors we had the opportunity to start in camp in Queensland and played a warm up game which was a very valuable experience.
“The squad has improved each day and we were really pleased with the performance against New Zealand. Having some experienced representative rugby union players involved in our squad means we have some really talented athletes to work with. Learning league has obviously been their biggest challenge and we have seen how the sports can work well together to drive overall participation levels.
O’Keefe can already see legacy from the competition. “We now have players keen to take leadership roles to grow women’s rugby league across the nation,” he confirmed. “Players have come from a wide range of areas so that will help us reach out to many regions. After the World Cup commitments are completed, a strategic plan will be drawn up to ensure this is the start of something great and I can only see positives for the future.”
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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RLEF
House of Sport
Marathon House
190 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4YB
danny.kazandjian
Mob: +44 7983 477429
This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.
The RLEF is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law).
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that opening this message and/or any of its attachments will not adversely affect its systems. No responsibility is accepted by the RLEF. If you are not the named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the e-mail from your system.
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
Expanded Russian rugby league season ends with Moscow derby
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ASSOCIATION OF RUSSIAN RUGBY LEAGUE CLUBS
DATE: 14 November, 2017
CONTACT: Yana Bokoreva
CSKA MOSCOW CHAMPIONS IN EXPANDED RUSSIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
CSKA Moscow have been crowned Russian rugby league champions following their 28-22 derby victory over Spartak Moscow in the Grand Final, at the Fili Rugby Stadium.
The capital city teams qualified for the play-offs having topped the Centre Conference and were joined by Urals Conference winners Vityez from Perm. Both Muscovite sides defeated Vityez in the series, Spartak winning 42-16 and CSKA 34-14 to set up the decider.
Denis Korolev, president of ARLK noted: “The 2017 season was the beginning of a new development path for us. We have new teams that showed up well and the championship turned out to be high quality and interesting.
“We also held a seminar for coaches and referees and involved new people in the sport. I hope, thanks to the efforts of all people participating in the work of the Russian Rugby League, that we will progress annually and the 2018 season will be even more intense.”
CSKA captain Ivan Troitskyi was named player of the season whilst his co-coaches, Korolev and Dmitriy Polovyh, were also honoured.
PHIL CAPLAN
RLEF MEDIA OFFICER
Tel: 07850 719412
E-mail: phil.caplan
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RLEF
House of Sport
Marathon House
190 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4YB
danny.kazandjian
Mob: +44 7983 477429
This e-mail (including any attachments) is intended only for the recipient(s) named above. It may contain confidential or privileged information and should not be read, copied or otherwise used without prior written consent. Statements or opinions may be expressed in this e-mail that are personal to the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the RLEF.
The RLEF is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law).
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure that opening this message and/or any of its attachments will not adversely affect its systems. No responsibility is accepted by the RLEF. If you are not the named recipient, please contact the sender and delete the e-mail from your system.
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| RFL is a trading name of The Rugby Football League Limited. This message and any attachments are strictly confidential and may contain legally privileged information.The contents of the transmission are intended for the named addressee(s) only. If you are not the addressee please do not read, print, store or re-transmit it or any attachments to it.Instead, please email it back to the sender and then immediately permanently delete it from your system. The views or opinions presented here are solely of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Rugby Football League Limited.The Rugby Football League Limited is not bound by any contract or obligation created by this e-mail and excludes all liability to you or any third party in respect of its contents (to the maximum extent permitted by the law). The Rugby Football League Limited is a company registered in England with company number 3845473. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 168 8110 49.The Rugby Football League Limited also acts on behalf of Super League (Europe) Ltd, a company registered in England with company number 3238540. The Registered Office is Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds LS17 8NB. VAT No. 698 6526 64. UIT42524252 |
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