Serbia Rugby League elect first woman director as junior competition thrives in Bosnia Herzegovina and Ukraine
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 22 December, 2021
SERBIA RUGBY LEAGUE ELECT FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR AS JUNIOR COMPETITION THRIVES IN BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA AND UKRAINE
Irena Lateta has become the first woman elected to the Serbia Rugby League Federation board since its original formation in 1953, taking up the position of marketing director. An expert in the field, she saw her first game at the beginning of October 2021 when the national side defeated Ukraine in Euro Championship B.
Immediately drawn to the sport, she pledged to assist to gain more awareness and popularity of it in the country. “I hope that with my expertise in the area of marketing, I will be able to contribute to the continued growth of the game, which has recently seen the national men’s side move into the top ten in the world,” she commented.
“This is the first time I have been given the opportunity to help promote sport in Serbia through my acquired contacts. I also hope that my appointment will help to empower women in rugby league and also contribute to the development of Serbian women’s rugby league.”
SRLF board member, Radoslav Novakovic, added: “This appointment fits into our strategy to have more women involved in the game both on and off the field, and with EU-funded Erasmus plus project ‘Fair Coaching’ in which one of the objectives is gender equality and empowerment of women in sport. We are renewing our plans for a return to action for women, and three Serbian clubs have received a grant and support from Belgrade City Council for the affirmation of women’s sport.”
Meanwhile, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Rugby League Association and club FIS Vitez have completed the first part of their youth project, ‘Play sports, Play rugby league’ with a touch tournament at the Vitez City Sports Hall, supported by the local Municipality and regional government.
After more than a month and a half of work at the Vitez Elementary School, a competition between classes was organized with students from 6th to 9th grade. About 200 participated and learned rugby league skills, ending with a touch tournament for trophies presented by the Municipality of Vitez chief executive Boris Marijanovic, and after which they were all awarded diplomas.
The project was successfully undertaken by instructors and players from FIS Vitez; Viktor Bilic, Alem Sabanović, David Zuljevic, Stjepan Krizanac, Zvonimir Ljubanic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina national team coach Dado Vrebac and assistant coach Marko Banovic, in cooperation with physical education teacher Marija Vujica.
President of the club and BHRLA, Zeljko Ljubanic, said: “It was a great day for rugby league in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Youth rugby league is our future and we are indebted to the Municipality of Vitez and Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Central Bosnia Canton for supporting this, along with the Direct Aid Project financed by the Australian Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I hope these initiatives, which are offered free of charge, will continue to support us and that the project will cover the whole Bosnia and Herzegovina in the future.”
The BHRLA are hoping that the interest generated will see more players joining the club whilst the scheme is next set to feature an inter-school competition.
A similar number of youngsters played in an U11s tag tournament in Ukraine, under the title ‘Olympic hopes.’ Nine teams were represented from Lviv, Kyiv, Ternopil, Donesk region, Khmelnytskyi and Rivne. Hard Sign from Donesk took the gold medals, Burevisnyl of Khmelnytskyi the silvers and Lyiv Rhinos bronze.
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
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Netherlands Rugby League look for key recruits
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 21 December, 2021
NETHERLANDS RUGBY LEAGUE LOOK FOR KEY RECRUITS
Following the recent announcement of their rise to 14th in the world rankings, Netherlands Rugby League Bond has begun planning the next phase of their development, as they look to recruit in four key posts.
Kane Krlic’s departure, after seven successful years at the helm, means the need for the appointment of a new men’s head coach for the 2025 World Cup qualifiers and beyond. Alongside, the NRLB is looking for regional development officers – a new position to build the player pool across a wider area; general volunteers – to support events across the country; and more match officials.
Competitions and NLXIII manager, Matt Rigby, commented: “We have been working hard to build foundations and standardise our internal structures. With them now in place and our International side developing impressively, the time is right for us to seek further assistance to take the sport to the next level in the Netherlands. Following the incredible work Kane has done, we are looking for the next person to take on the coaching challenge, and offer additional opportunities for all.”
Details of the role descriptions can be found here – http://rugbyleague.nl/staff-vacancies/
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Middle East Africa Rugby League Steering Committee increased
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
| Contact: Remond Safi M +44 (0)7564 214 365 E remond.safi
Date: 17 December, 2021 |
|
MEA STEERING COMMITTEE INCREASED
The steering committee charged with planning the road map to independent federation status for the Middle East Africa region has been increased from five members to seven following a governance review. The need was identified to include independent members with specific skills and Sami Garabedian, former professional player Bolu Fagborun and Saad Boujmal have been added to existing elected member representatives, Nayef abi Said (Lebanon), Dr Frans Erasmus (South Africa), Adam Sada (Nigeria) and Ghassan Badawi (Libya).
Sami Garabedian was elected by the group as chair and commented: “It is indeed a privilege to have been entrusted with the lead role of this esteemed group. I hope that along with my other colleagues of exceptional quality, we will be able to steer MEA to new heights. It will be a collective effort in the best interests of the game.”
Dr Frans Erasmus has been elected vice chair and MEA regional director Remond Safi appointed as secretary.
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Rhodes Knights make successful return to play
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 15 December, 2021
RHODES KNIGHTS CLAIM DOUBLE TRIUMPH
With the sanctioned return to play in Greece, Rhodes Knights undertook a 900km round trip to play two matches in Athens last weekend. They defeated the Rhinos 32-16 on Saturday, and followed that up with a 58-12 win against the Raiders on Sunday.
Knights’ head coach and Greece national assistant, Michalis Chatziioannou, commented: “Over the weekend we saw a great standard of rugby league. I am very pleased with my team’s performances, especially the inexperienced teenagers that had got their first real taste of rugby league matches.
“It had been nearly two full years since our last game because of the pandemic but, thanks to our chemistry and close team bond, we were able to cover that on the field. We continued training over the period but our hunger for matches never faded.
“During the delay, we managed to bring fifteen U16 players in to our team, eight of whom travelled with us to the capital for these matches and they were all given some game. This junior development has been a goal of mine for a long time and hopefully we can now look towards forming a national youth team.
“Overall, I am very optimistic about the future of Greek Rugby League. There is talent across the board and the standard continues to improve.”
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
European Rugby League seeks new chairperson and independent director
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 13 December, 2021
EUROPEAN RUGBY LEAGUE SEEKS NEW CHAIRPERSON AND INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
European Rugby League is seeking to appoint a new chairperson and a further independent director to join the board.
The recruitment follows an extensive consultation and review and an independently assessed governance rating awarded by the Sports Integrity Global Alliance, from which several constitutional reforms were approved by the membership at the ERL’s annual council meeting last month.
They included increasing the size of the board to broaden and increase the skills available to the organisation, offering greater divergent thinking and mandating the role of chairperson to be independent.
A recruitment pack providing links to descriptions, skills and experience required for the roles and application details is available to download here.
“It is an exciting time to be joining European Rugby League,” commented interim chairperson Graeme Thompson. “We have started a new strategic cycle and are looking forward to the Rugby League World Cup taking place in Europe next year. We have significant ambition for the sport and aim to continue our growth by making rugby league available to a wider section of the community than ever before. To realise that ambition we must ensure that we continue to be a well governed and fit for purpose organisation, and this recruitment will play a large part in doing that.”
Applicants are invited to submit their CV and a letter of application, along with the equality monitoring form, by 0900hrs (UK) on Friday 21 January 2022.
European Rugby League is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital/ Civil Partnership status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background.
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Reaction from Euro nations to new Rugby League world rankings
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 10 December, 2021
REACTION FROM EURO NATIONS TO NEW RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD RANKINGS
Following the release of the new men’s, women’s and wheelchair world rankings by the IRL, there has been some significant movement for some European nations. In the men’s, Serbia – who played the most Test fixtures in 2021 – has risen six places to ninth, the first time they have been in the top 10.
“We are extremely proud of our fully domestic-based squad, everyone participating in the pathways, and our entire organisation who have contributed to this rise in the ranking,” said SRL general secretary, Vladan Kikanovic. “It gives us more strength to continue with developing rugby league in Serbia and throughout the Balkan region. I hope this will help us build a platform for a successful campaign in the 2025 World Cup qualifiers which could see us compete in the elite competition for the first time.”
Ukraine has gained the most, rising 14 places to 25th. UFRL president, Artur Marytrosian, noted: “Our aim now is to be in the top eight nations in Europe. All our structure of domestic competitions from juniors to seniors and our national teams have this target in mind, and we look forward to further announcements on international fixtures to help us achieve our goal.”
Also high risers in the men’s, Netherlands have gone up 11 places to 14th. Head coach Kane Krlic confirmed: “Everyone involved in NRLB can be incredibly proud of their efforts so far. Seven years ago when I was appointed we talked about putting a strong emphasis on a domestic competition, knowing longer term that would serve us better. We didn’t win an international for a few years but we had to believe and stay true to this philosophy. We are now undefeated for five years and we are producing Dutch players with our own culture and DNA. The exciting part is we are not even close to what we want to achieve, and there is still a lot of improvement in the player group and the wider Netherlands Rugby League in general.”
Other notable climbers in the men’s rankings include Bulgaria (up six places to 39th), Czech Republic (up five to 17th) and Turkey (up five to 19th)
Wales are ranked for the first time, at 13th, in the women’s list. “I’m proud that we have three elite pathways; men, wheelchair and now women’s in the world rankings. The amount of work put in by the staff over the last two years has been immense to get the women’s programme running, especially given the challenges of Covid-19. We are looking forward to playing more internationals and achieving our goal of the women’s team being a top four ranked side by 2025,” claimed Wales Rugby League CEO Gareth Kear.
In the wheelchair rankings, Ireland have moved up from eighth to sixth, the highest climbers. “It’s very positive news and reflects the efforts of our players over the last 12 months. I‘m sure that it motivates them to continue to push on and build for the future,” said head coach Damian McCabe.
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Rugby league match officials course run in Norway
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: December, 2021
MATCH OFFICIALS COURSE RUN IN NORWAY
Following on from Stavanger Storm winning the Norge Grand Final, defeating Lillestrøm Lions 64-12, a level 1 match officials course has been delivered in Norway. Ten candidates took part at the Idrettens Hus in Ullevål, Oslo, the headquarters of the Norwegian Sports Association.
The course was delivered by Rugby League Ireland match official and educator Paul Causby, trained through European Rugby League’s technical education programme, and covered all aspects of officiating. “All candidates came with open minds and a willingness to learn,” noted Causby. “We quickly overcame some of the terminology issues which are challenged by the language barrier, and from then on in the candidates took in as much information as they could. They cannot wait for spring so that they can put their new found knowledge into practice.”
Starting in the classroom, the course progressed to giving the candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a practical session which was delivered in one of the centre’s sports halls due to the onset of the Scandinavian winter.
Participant Jostein Ryan said: “Paul delivered a great course. He took us through the different aspects of the game via discussion and analysis, explaining the laws in a clear and concise manner. The course was inspirational for me as a match official.”
Rugby League Norge intends to run a second course on the west coast next year to ensure as many members as possible can benefit, and to give those who attended the Oslo course the opportunity of a refresher. In the meantime, Causby will be maintaining contact with the newly qualified officials and providing them with opportunities to view clips and learn from others in the European match officials community.
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Bids sought to host rugby league Euro 9s
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 8 December, 2021
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 9S 2023 TENDER RELEASED
European Rugby League has opened an invitation to tender for the right to host the inaugural European 9s Championship in 2023, as part of its drive to expand the landscape of international competition.
ERL is seeking a host that can demonstrate the capacity to deliver the tournament and increase the value of the ERL 9s Championship as a commercial property, with the short-form version a perfect weekend event for both players and spectators alike.
It is anticipated that the championship will cover both men’s and women’s competitions. “We’re very excited to be inviting our members and their partners to tender for the 2023 European Rugby League 9s Championship,” said David Butler, ERL general manager. “We’ve seen that 9s generate a significant amount of interest and the fast and frenetic nature of the game makes it a perfect spectator sport. The event will give the game in Europe another perfect platform to showcase itself.”
Interested organisations should submit a written proposal no later than 5.00pm (UK time) on Monday 21 February 2022. The tender document can be downloaded here
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
Ghana rugby league release 2022 fixture calendar and plans to spread to a new region
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
Contact: Hilaria Wuaku | info
Date: 2 December 2021
RUGBY LEAGUE FEDERATION GHANA RELEASE 2022 CALENDAR & TARGET NEW REGION
Rugby League Federation Ghana has announced their fixture schedule for 2022. The opening event will be a touch rugby festival at the University of Ghana in Legon on 16 January. At the same venue a month later, on 13 February, RLFG will host a Long Tag Rugby League event.
A series of 9’s tournaments will take place from 13 March through to 10 April alongside University of Ghana Inter-Hall games, with the men’s, women’s and youth championships designated from 1 May to 1 July. Following that will be an Origin game on 27 August leading to selection for the national side for the Middle East Africa Championship the following month – national team training taking place twice a month – the season finishing in early December with a beach tournament.
Plans are also in hand for a ‘Tackle Like a Lady’ campaign between March and April, together with others linked to blood donation and cancer awareness. Coaching and match official courses are scheduled for late January, together with a ‘Know the Laws’ forum in April.
A coaching event is also in place for February in the region of Kumasi, new to the sport. Already, a three-day workshop has been held to introduce rugby league to the region, in association with the Ashanti Regional Directorate of the National Sports Authority (NSA), at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
More than 50 coaches, officials and physical education teachers were given a presentation which included the origin of the game, were taught the basic skills involved and introduced to officiating. Emmanuel Kojo Appiah, acting regional director of the NSA commented: “Rugby league is a new sport to the region and I am happy the RLFG has honoured our invitation to introduce it to the senior high tutors.”
The sport will now be piloted in six selected schools in Kumasi, in the Asokore Mampong Municipal Education District, with workshop participant Philomena Kakra Buckman, noting: “It is important we have a multi-sport discipline to offer our students. This workshop has broadened our knowledge, there will be challenges along the way but we will put in the necessary effort to push rugby league.”
RLFG technical director Marshall Nortey, who was in attendance along with general manager Jafaru Awudu Mustapha and coach Julius Amevor, added that, with the interest of teachers and handlers and the requisite resources from the federation and their new partnership with Super League club Salford, the Ashanti region was a potential powerhouse in-waiting. “As a federation we are keen on spreading our sport and we will ensure that we engage in more workshops similar to this to explain and teach rugby league to every Ghanaian we make contact with.”
Phil Caplan
Media Manager
M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412
E: phil.caplan
European Rugby League is a trading name of European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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 European Rugby League Federation Ltd. European Rugby League Federation Ltd. 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). European Rugby League Federation Ltd
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