Archive | June 2022

European Rugby League appoint Richard Coleman as associate director

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 30 June, 2022

EUROPEAN RUGBY LEAGUE APPOINT RICHARD COLEMAN AS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

The board of European Rugby League has appointed Richard Coleman in an associate capacity until the 2022 AGM in October, where he will be proposed to the membership as an independent director. Coleman will play a pivotal role in the strategic aim of growing the ERL’s commercial revenue.

CEO of Mayfield Sports Management, he is a highly experienced sports marketing and business advisor having personally brokered over $100m of sponsorships in Formula 1, World Cycling, cricket, soccer, snooker and other motorsports and has almost two decades of experience in a range of industries working with leading global brands and rights holders.

“I’m keenly anticipating proposing Richard to the membership later in the year and very grateful to him for agreeing to start immersing himself in the organisation ahead of that,” commented ERL chair Dean Andrew, OBE. “Richard has a very impressive CV and we are looking forward to him sharing his experience with European Rugby League.”

Coleman added: “I am looking forward to working with the European Rugby League board and its executive. It is clearly in a great position to capitalise on opportunities and with a bright future.”

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

Lebanon claim Elias-Fenech trophy, defeating Malta 30-14 – Report

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 22 June, 2022

LEBANON CLAIM ELIAS-FENECH TROPHY, DEFEATING MALTA 30-14 – Report

The opening Test match in the southern hemisphere mid-season international window saw Lebanon run in six tries to see off Malta 30-14, at Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney.

Winger Christian Yassmin claimed a try double, the second a length of the field interception just before the break which saw the Cedars 20-8 ahead, a blow from which the Maltese could not recover. A strong defensive performance after the interval ensured that Lebanon, building for the World Cup in the autumn, held on.

With head coach Michael Cheika, who led the preparations, having to leave to get back to Argentina before kick off after altered flight plans, his assistant, Matt King, oversaw the match day. “Obviously you can’t expect perfection after a three day prep,” said the former South Sydney and Warrington star. “But what you look for is the boys playing for each other and that’s exactly what they did tonight. It’s clear that this jumper means a great deal to the boys who get to wear it, and they showed that tonight through their defence more than anything.

“They were hard to tackle and then they hit hard together,” he added. “It’s a step in the right direction for October and given Michael some headaches when he has to select his team.”

Lebanon took the lead in the third minute, Yassmin going over in the corner for an unconverted try but Malta hit back, Hayden Pace getting to Jarrod Sammut’s grubber, who also converted. The Maltese lost skipper Tyler Cassel to injury just after but gained a position near the Lebanon line from which Sammut extended the lead with a penalty.

The Cedars gained a repeat set and Adam Rizk kicked cleverly for his brother Josh who dotted down, Bilal Maarbani with the goal. Malta had a try disallowed for a knock on and that became a 12-point turnaround when Yassim went 95 metres.

Just after the break, a fine round of inter passing saw Nick Kassis cross to extend Lebanon’s advantage, Malta again denied this time for a double movement. On the hour, they did get across, stand off Joel Bradford taking a bouncing kick and Sammut landing his third goal.

With Malta tiring, centre Maarbani jinked through for his second try to go with three goals for a 14 point haul.

LEBANON 30

J. Rizk, R. Robinson, Maarbani, Lockwood, Yassmin, J. Kalache, A. Rizk, Rahme, Tannous, El Nachar, Maree, El-Zakham, K. Kalache

Subs (all used): Arahu, Kassis, Karam, Ghantous

Tries: Yassmin (3, 39), J. Rizk (27), Maarbani (32, 74), Kassis (46)

Goals: Maarbani 3

MALTA 14

Galea, Benson, Falzon, Pace, McDermott, Bradford, Sammut, T. Cassel, Grech, Greene, Zammit, K. Cassel, Duncan

Subs (all used): J. Vella, Campbell, Z, Vella, Bucca

Tries: Pace (14), Bradford (60)

Goals: Sammut 3

Half time: 20-8

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

Netherlands Rugby League name men’s train-on squad for autumn internationals

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 22 June, 2022

NETHERLANDS NAME MEN’S TRAIN-ON SQUAD FOR AUTUMN INTERNATIONALS

Newly appointed Netherlands head coach Dave Hunter has named his first 35-man train-on squad for the autumn internationals, which include home fixtures against Sweden in Zaandam and the tenth Griffin Cup at Voorschoten facing Germany, together with a trip to Spain – and in preparation for the next round of qualification games for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup

Eighteen last year’s squad who won European Championship D are included, along with twelve uncapped players. “Over the opening rounds of the domestic competition, we’ve seen some good performances,” said Hunter. “There have been some promising young players who’ve stood out and I’ll be looking to them to apply pressure on the current incumbents. We’ll be having a two day camp the week after the Grand Final, not only to form combinations and put structures in place, but also to give the playing group a chance to get to know us.”

Hunter added: “We’re definitely still open to having the best players available, so the opportunity is still there for them to force their way in with good performances in the remaining rounds of the regular season.”

Also announced, Paul Pettit – who has experience in the game in Hull and London – comes in as assistant coach. He has been working with Zwolle Wolves in the 2022 season.

Netherlands Train-on Squad
James Adams, William Johnston, Bram Tjalma (Amsterdam Cobras), Adam Braksator, Paul Dirkzwager, Sander Doria, Romeo Goldman, Lucas Gout, Frank Longhurst, Maurits Thomson, Bonne Wilce, Hamish Wragg (Den Haag Knights), Daniel de Ruiter, Santino Landus, Arie-Tjerk Razoux Schultz, Trevor Rode, Ruben Stuifzand, Mark van den Broek (Harderwijk Dolphins), Auke Idzerda, Shadan Lavia, Edson Neves, Isaac Ngirubiu, Dominic Stuivenberg, Soren van der Linden (Rotterdam Pitbulls), Damon Koolstra (Southern Suburbs Mackay Sharks), Niels Frelink, Mauricio Gomez Pazos, Kees Kuijpers, Paul Kuijpers, Toine Obiang Nguema, Mike Prins, Laury Renac, Joran Schoenmaker, Max Smits, Benji van Bodegraven (Zwolle Wolves)

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 men’s rugby league season reaches play off stage

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 21 June, 2022

GHANA MEN’S SEASON REACHES PLAY OFF STAGE

Last weekend saw the end of the regular rounds of the Ghana men’s domestic season, with three sides left battling out for ultimate glory. Bulls RLFC finished the seven team competition winning all six of their matches to qualify directly for the Grand Final, which will be held on 31 July at the University of Ghana.

A week before, Ghana Skolars, who were second with 15 points, will face Accra Majestics, third with four wins in their debut season, in the semi final. Skolars defeated Majestics 18-0 in the last regular season round of games.

RFLG men’s coordinator, Riddick Alibah, commented: “The championship has seen a lot of growth over these past weeks. The intensity, game knowledge and discipline has been excellent. We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of all the teams, their managers, the technical team and the organisers.”

The 2022 women’s and junior’s championships will commence on 3 July, and will be followed that day by Oxford University men’s touring side facing a President’s XIII, all at the Mensah Sarbah field, Legon.

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

Lebanon and Malta name squads for Elias-Fenech Trophy clash

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 20 June, 2022

LEBANON AND MALTA NAME SQUADS FOR ELIAS-FENECH TROPHY

The ending of a long-standing playing feud for the benefit of international rugby league will see Lebanon and Malta play for the Elias-Fenech Trophy when they meet at Canterbury’s Belmore Sport’s Ground on Wednesday 22 June (kick off 7.30pm local time), to begin the mid-season international fixture programme in the southern hemisphere.

The hookers had some feisty battles, culminating in a notorious semi final clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1986, when Balmain’s Benny Elias contrived to get South Sydney’s Mario Fenech sent off for an alleged – but ultimately self-inflicted – bite.

“I have the utmost respect for Mario, he has a big Maltese family, I come from a big Lebanese family,” said Elias, who met up again with Fenech in the lead up to the game. “When I was asked to be involved, I said ‘of course, it would be an honour.’ I know he feels the same, we have swapped punches for hugs.”

Both nations have named their 19-man squads for the clash, which will see Lebanon head coach Michael Cheika take charge of the nation for the first time, in the lead up to autumn’s World Cup. He has picked nine potential debutants, including Danny Ghantos on his home ground and Penrith Panther Hanna El Nachar, and will have the experienced Robinson brothers, Reece and Travis, at his disposal.

“Wednesdays Test match will be a great opportunity for some of our World Cup aspirants to showcase their skills,” said Cheika. “We will keep it simple and focus on how we blend together as a team and clearly show what’s important to us so we can connect with our Lebanese fans across the world, and how we play the game in their jersey.”

Malta, who defeated Montenegro at home last time out, will again have Jarrod Sammut in their ranks, having flown in from English Championship side Barrow. Malta head coach, Aaron McDonald, noted: “Tyler Cassel epitomises everything that a captain should before us, a natural leader who’s always in the thick of the action, he will wear the armband. I’m very pleased with the Malta players that are in contention and I’m confident we’ll give Lebanon the tough pre-World Cup warm-up that Michael is after.”

The clash will be live-streamed by Kayo Sports at – https://kayosports.com.au/…/event-lebanon-v-malta!138793

LEBANON SQUAD

Bilal Maarbani, Adam Rizk (Blacktown Workers), Allan Lockwood (Burleigh Bears), Danny Ghantos (Canterbury Bulldogs), Daniel Arahu (Glebe), Donavon Boney (Manly),

Khalil Rahme (Mount Pritichard), Kayne Kalache (Newtown Jets), Elie El Zakham, Jabriel Kalache (Parramatta Eels), Hanna El Nachar (Penrith Panthers), Reece Robinson (Queanbeyan Roos), Christian Yassmin (Randwick), Jacob Karam. Josh Rizk (South Sydney), Travis Robinson (unattached), Nick Kassis, Josh Maree (Wentworthville), Michael Tannous (Wests Tigers)

MALTA SQUAD

Jarrod Sammut (Barrow Raiders), Zarrin Galea (Brighton Roosters), Nathan Benson (Carlton Devils Mackay), Jed Hardy (Gymea Gorillas), Joel Bradford (Hills Bulls), Jono Dallas (Jamberoo), Hayden Pace (Mackay Cutters), Jake Zammit (Newcastle Knights), Tyler Cassel (North Sydney Bears), Nathan Falzon (Nowra Bomaderry), Josh Vella (Ryde Eastwood Hawks), Aaron Grech (Shellharbour Sharks), Tallis Duncan (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kyal Greene (The Oaks Tigers), Adam Campbell (Thirlmere Roosters), Anthony Bucca (Victorian Thunderbolts), Kyle Cassel (Wentworthville Magpies), Zachary Vella (Western Suburbs Magpies), Connor McDermott (Wests Tigers Mackay)

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

Women’s Rugby League European Championship B North – Wales 60 Italy 0 – Report

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 19 June, 2022

WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP B NORTH – WALES 60 ITALY 0 – REPORT

Wales women picked up their first-ever Test victory with a comprehensive home win over Italy in Cross Keys, in European Championship B North. Bridgend winger Brittony Price led the way with three of their eleven tries as the hosts dominated the second period, having led 20-0 at the break.

Head coach Tom Brindle commented: “We came with an intent to stick to our gameplan, which we did for 70 minutes, so I’m very happy. The side did what they needed to do and delivered a really good team performance.”

Brindle named two debutants, Anne-Marie Sayle and Katie Carr joining her twin sister Rosie, who opened the scoring in the corner in the fourth minute. Eleri Michael doubled the lead on eight minutes but it took until just before the half hour for Wales to get their third try, Emily Hughes crossing and London Broncos team-mate Kathryn Salter adding the extras.

Price went 80 metres just before the break for her first, Fern Davies racing over just after it. Italy had a couple of chances, their best when captain Virginia Pinarello went close and laid the ball off to Rebecca Pantaleoni who dropped it as she was diving for the line.

Price completed her treble, sandwiching a score by skipper Bryonie King. Joeann McGuire went 40 metres for her try, hooker Carys Marsh and Castleford’s Sayle completing the scoring and Salter finishing with eight goals.

Italy, in their second Test, gave debuts to three players, Silvia Gai, Ludovica Gurrieri and Giuliana Zaffarana and twice came close to scoring in the second half. Full back Pantaleoni said: “It’s good to be on a European platform and to improve with each game we need more practise. We all come from different types of backgrounds, we’re developing and we’ve been doing some really good work.”

WALES 60

Eleri Michael, Anne-Marie Sayle, Kathryn Salter (London Broncos), Rosie Carr, Brittony Price, Amberley Ruck, Rhi Parker, Lauren Aitken, Carys Marsh, Emily Hughes, Bryonie King, Charlie Mundy, Bethan Dainton
Subs (all used): Molly Reardon, Joeann McGuire, Fern Davies, Katie Carr

Tries: R Carr (4), Michael (8), Hughes (28), Price (39, 53, 61), Davies (46), King (57), McGuire (72), Marsh (75), Sayle (79)
Goals: Ruck 0/2, Salter 8/9

ITALY 0

Rebecca Pantaleoni, Rwan Hassnien, Giulia Colangeli, Silvia Gai, Ludovica Gurrieri, Giada Arzenton, Alessandra Menotti, Rosa Bettolati, Martina Dall’ Antonia, Marika Ascione, Marvin Severgnini, Giulia Iozzia, Virginia Pinarello
Subs (all used): Giuliana Zaffarana, Camila Giacomazzo, Siria Raisa, Altea Forto

Referee: Fiona McConn (Ireland)

Half-time: 20-0

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

Wheelchair rugby league Test – Ireland 52 Scotland 22 – Report

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 18 June, 2022

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE TEST – IRELAND 52 SCOTLAND 22 – REPORT

Ireland ran in nine tries as they defeated Scotland 52-22 in Calderdale, as both nations continued their preparations for the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in the autumn.

Scotland scored first in the opening minute through Callum Young, who finished with three tries, but a genuine 12 minute hat trick by Halifax’s Tom Martin saw the Irish take control. They led 36-16 at the break, Peter Johnston with two tries to go with his total of eight goals for a 24 point haul.

Toby Burton-Carter and Phil Roberts also crossed for Ireland, former Paralympian James McCarthy scoring a try in the 47th minute on his debut in the sport, while Martin claimed his fourth.

Damian McCabe, Ireland’s player/head coach, noted: “It’s a good confidence boost and I was pleased we rectified some things from the recent Celtic Cup. We go out as a better team than we came in and that’s what I was looking for. If possible, I’ll be searching for another game before the World Cup commences, and we’ll have some more trials in Dublin to find more players like James McCarthy.”

John Willans, who impressed throughout, scored a try and goal for Scots for whom Michael Mellon also stood out, the last 20 minutes remaining scoreless as the defensive intensity increased.

Scotland head coach, Mark Roughsedge, said: “There were lots of periods of nice touches but some that resulted in fuzzy thinking. We need to work to get the players to paint a clearer picture under pressure when making decisions – but we’re not far off. I don’t think there was 30 points between the teams.”

IRELAND 52

8 Peter Johnston

21 Toby Burton-Carter

13 Tom Martin

4 Stephen Palin-Campbell

18 Scott Roberts

14 Phil Roberts

16 James McCarthy

19 Ken Maloney

20 Damian McCabe

Tries: Martin (3, 10, 15, 50), Johnston (25, 28), Burton-Carter (38), Roberts (44), McCarthy (47)

Goals: Johnston 8

SCOTLAND 22

15 Dan Grant

12 Michael Mellon

11 John Willans

1 Callum Young

3 Neil Johnstone

8 Pete Lauder

9 Dave Anderson

7 Caydn Thomson

10 Graeme Stewart

13 Paul Hartley

Tries: Young (1, 29, 59), Willans (20)

Goals: Willans 1, Mellon 2

Half time: 36-16

Referee: David Butler (England)

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

Fundraising plan for Ukraine Rugby League to take their place in European U19s Championship

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 18 June, 2022

FUNDRAISING PLAN FOR UKRAINE TO TAKE THEIR PLACE IN EUROPEAN U19S CHAMPIONSHIP

The participating nations have been confirmed for the U19s European Championships, which will be held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy between 1-11 September. France will be aiming to defend their 2018 title, with England, Ireland, Italy, Serbia, Scotland and Wales also set to compete and, following negotiations with their Ministry of Sport, Ukraine will also take their place in the tournament.

“At this difficult time for Ukraine, the Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League and Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine – together with European Rugby League and our friends from around the world – have come together to make it possible for us to compete,” said Artur Martyrosian, president of the UFRL. “We will continue the preparation of our team over the next few months and we plan to make Ukraine and the global game of rugby league proud of our participation in the tournament.”

As the country continues to struggle with the impact of the Russian invasion, the UFRL is searching for funds for the tournament and is partnering with European Rugby League and UK-based charity Rugby League Cares, who are providing a fundraising platform to allow fans around the world to donate. An initial target of £30,000 / €35,000 has been set to cover the cost of transport, accommodation, kit and equipment, and preparation time.

“Rugby League Cares is a long established and trusted independent charity and we are delighted that we are able to support the Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League’s plans to take part in the U19s European Championship,” noted RLC head, Chris Rostron. “We have seen the devastation and life changing effects that the ongoing war has caused to the lives of civilians there. We know that sport brings hope and we are honoured to be playing our part in bringing that to the players involved and keeping the rugby league’s flag flying in Ukraine during this very difficult time. I encourage everyone around the world who loves sport to play their part and make a donation in support of this immensely worthy cause.”

To donate CLICK HERE

The U19s Championship, which has been almost three years in the making due to the global pandemic, has taken on a new meaning for hosts Italy who will use the event as a further catalyst for their domestic activity.

“I’d like to thank our board for their commitment to the tournament and their patience over the last two years and for managing the postponements so well,” said Orazio D’Arro, president of the Federazione Italiana Rugby League. “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event and to be able to showcase the country and Italian Rugby League to our colleagues in Europe. We especially welcome our friends from the Ukraine who are going through so much at the moment. We’ll be using the tournament as a springboard to rejuvenate rugby league in Italy after the pandemic and look forward to an amazing event.”

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

Wales and Italy name women’s squads for European Championship B clash

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 16 June, 2022

WALES AND ITALY NAME WOMEN’S SQUADS FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP B CLASH

Wales and Italy have named their 19-player squads for the Women’s European Championship B clash at Pandy Park, Cross Keys on Sunday (kick-off 1pm).

The match is the second in the North group, with Ireland beating Italy 30-6 last week in Udine. Wales will travel to Ireland for the concluding encounter on October 8.

Wales head coach Thomas Brindle has named 15 of the 17 who performed admirably in the Test defeat to England last week. Katie Carr of Bridgend Blue Bulls and Cardiff Demons, and Anne Marie Sayle of Bradford Bulls and the RAF, will win their first caps if selected. Lauren Aitken and Joeann McGuire also join the squad. Seren Gough-Walters and player of the match Leanne Burnell both miss out after picking up injuries in that game.

“It’s our first ever tournament game so we’re looking forward to it,” said Brindle. “Trying to get more regular fixtures is important to us as we build towards the 2025 Rugby League World Cup. That’s our goal, not only to get there but to compete on a world stage. This game against Italy is an important step for us.”

Italy head coach Alberto Suin noted: “I believe in the group and in the qualities of every single player. It will not be an easy match, but we want to pick up from the good things we did against Ireland. We always play to win and we will certainly face the match in a different, more decisive and conscious way.”

Wales Squad

Katie Carr, Rosie Carr, Ffion Jones, Sara Jones, Eleri Michael (all Bridgend Blue Bulls / Cardiff Demons), Bethan Dainton (British Army), Lauren Aitken, Charlie Mundy, Rhi Parker, Brittony Price, Amberley Ruck (all Cardiff Blue Dragons / Cardiff Demons), Anne-Marie Sayle (Castleford Tigers / RAF), Emily Hughes, Kathryn Salter (both London Broncos), Bryonie King, Joeann McGuire, Molly Reardon (all Rhondda Outlaws / Cardiff Demons), Fern Davies (Warrington Wolves), Carys Marsh (Wigan Warriors)

Italy Squad

Denise Falco, Martina Viglianisi (Amatori Catania Rugby), Alessandra Menotti, Altes Forto, Giada Arzenton, Giulia Colangeli, Martina Dall’Antonia, Matilde Camilla Giacomazzo, Silvia Gai, Siria Raisa, Virginia Pinarello (Lignano Xlll), Marika Ascione, Marvin Severgnini, Rebecca Liliana Pantaleoni, Rosa Bettolati, Rwan Hassnien (Phoenix Rugby Verdello), Ludovica Gurrieri, Giulia Iozzia, Giuliana Zaffarana (Vittoria Rugby)

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

Scotland and Ireland name squads for wheelchair rugby league international

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 16 June, 2022

SCOTLAND AND IRELAND NAME SQUADS FOR WHEELCHAIR INTERNATIONAL

Scotland and Ireland have named their squads for the mid-season wheelchair Test match at Calderdale College, Halifax, on Saturday 18 June (kick off 13:30). The clash will be the 15th meeting between the nations since 2012, with the most recent meeting being at the Celtic Cup in Wrexham in May, when Ireland were narrow 38-35 winners.

Scotland Wheelchair head coach Mark Roughsedge has made two changes from the group that travelled to Wrexham, Dave Anderson returns to the squad for the first time since the Test against Wales in October 2021 and Dan Grant also earns a spot and could make his first appearance for Scotland since September 2019. Ryan Mellon remains unavailable for selection due to his Army commitments.

It will be the Bravehearts’ last competitive fixture before their World Cup squad is chosen. “It’s great to welcome Dan and Dave back in the national performance squad,” said Roughsedge. “Dan has been in impressive form with his club, Gravesend and deserves to be back involved. We’re hoping that both will impress and fight to keep their places now that they’ve got them.

“The game against Ireland at the Celtic Cup was fantastic. We want to use this last match before we go into camp to really implement what we’ve learned. Some players maybe weren’t quite at their best in Wrexham but they’ve got a great opportunity to bounce back here.”

Ireland include three in-form Betfred Wheelchair Super League players, Phil Roberts of Wigan, Halifax Panthers’ Tom Martin and Toby Burton Carter from Warrington.

Damian McCabe, Ireland’s player/head coach noted: “Alongside a number of returnees from the recent Celtic Cup we welcome back Ken Maloney into the side after an absence of seven years. Also lining up we have Irish Paralympian James McCarthy making his Wheelchair Rugby League debut. This is a strong squad that gives us a number of options on the field. This will be a good first step into our World Cup preparation. We are expecting another tight match.”

SCOTLAND SQUAD

Michael Mellon, Graeme Stewart, Cadyn Thomson, John Willans, (Dundee Dragons), Neil Johnston (Glasgow Rugby League), Dan Grant (Gravesend Dynamite), Paul Hartley, Pete Lauder (RAF), Callum Young (Warrington Wolves), Dave Anderson (West Wales Raiders)

IRELAND SQUAD

Peter Johnston (Argonauts/North Wales Crusaders), Ken Maloney (Gravesend), Thomas Martin (Halifax), Stephen Palin Campbell (Sheffield), Damian McCabe, James McCarthy, Scott Robertson (unattached), Toby Burton Carter (Warrington), Phil Roberts (Wigan)

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

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