Archive | July 2023

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 29 July 2023

IRELAND GRAND FINALS TO BE STAGED TODAY

The Ireland Rugby League domestic season comes to its conclusion today (Saturday) with three games at Cill Dara Rugby Club in Co. Kildare. Proceedings kick off at midday with the Ireland Masters Final, featuring mixed teams from the six clubs that participated during the season.

The Women’s Grand Final sees Dublin City Exiles, champions for the last two seasons, take on their perennial rivals Galway Tribeswomen at 13:15, and at 15.30 in the men’s Premiership decider, league leaders Banbridge Broncos face Galway Tribesmen.

Dublin make the women’s grand final for the third year in a row, head coach Matt J Kennerson commenting: “When I think of women’s rugby league in Ireland a few words come to mind – hardship, resilience, effort, trailblazers, talent and heart. These women show up to train every week in strong numbers with open ears and minds and a willingness to learn and get better at the new found sport they all
love. The respect and admiration I have these strong women is immense and I hope we can continue our undefeated run against a strong outfit and retain the title once more.”

Galway Tribeswomen’s skipper, Sinead O’Brien, noted: “Each year we get closer to them on the scoreboard and even got to within just two points in our last league game – perhaps this year might be ours, certainly we will give it our best shot. We are looking forward to another competitive match where the women’s game will be on show and both teams hope to put on a good spectacle for the supporters.”

Promoted Banbridge, seeking to become the first Ulster-based men’s side to lift the silverware, are in their first Grand Final, captain Sam Boyd noting: “Since the founding of our club in 2021, it has been our mission to compete with the best in Ireland and to make it to the Grand Final is proof of the dedication from coaches, players and supporters who have worked very hard to make us what we are. We won the Championship title in 2022 and it gave our squad more appetite to strive to win silverware in the Premiership. Now, given the opportunity, we intend to give everything we have to see the title brought home. It is our hope that we can revitalise the sport in the province of Ulster and breed new life into future generations of rugby league players by lifting the Premiership trophy.”

“We look forward to playing an excellent Banbridge Broncos side that have shown their class being unbeaten all season,” said Galway Tribesmen coach, John Tyreman. “It will be a tough game but competitive and played with great sportsmanship as usual between the two teams. We hope to give the travelling supporters of both teams an entertaining and exciting match.”

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

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July 25, 2023

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Kenya Rugby League apply for Affiliate Membership

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 25 July 2023

KENYA RUGBY LEAGUE APPLY FOR AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

Following 18 months of impressive growth since becoming Observer Members, the Kenya Rugby League Federation are set to receive a boost to their status as European Rugby League has reviewed and approved their application for Affiliate Membership.

Affiliate Membership requires a national federation to stage a domestic championship with at least four participating teams, have begun junior development, put certified coaches and match officials in place, and to have played at least one senior international match for world ranking points. Off the field, the federation is expected to demonstrate financial sustainability and have a strategy to continue growth, as well as demonstrating adherence to good governance through the annual membership audit.

“This is great progress for the Kenya Rugby League Federation and demonstrates the immense dedication and investment by everyone involved in developing the sport in the country,” said Richard Nyakwaka, KRLF chair. “Achieving Affiliate membership will create more opportunities for the players, management, officials and fans. We are now ready to welcome international teams to visit Kenya for matches and tournaments.”

In their short time as a national federation, Kenya has impressed with the size and scale of their domestic competition structure, together with hosting of a technical education event in 2022 which saw delegates attend the week-long activity from across the Middle East & Africa region. They have also established a link with Leeds Rhinos through their Foundation, which sees the Super League club undertake a weekly on-line course with a group of coaches who are to set up academies in the regions.

“We have been working closely with KRLF to ensure that their strategy and efforts are channelled towards achieving Affiliate Membership status,” noted MEA regional director, Remond Safi. “There is a lot of ambition in the nation and I am pleased that the KRLF have been able to move to this milestone so quickly.”

Kenya’s proposed elevation would see them join Cameroon, Ghana, Morrocco and Nigeria in the region as Affiliate Members, whilst Lebanon and South Africa hold Full Member status.

The final stage of the application is for the International RL board and their full members to approve at their meeting in Singapore next week.

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

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July 24, 2023

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Edinburgh Eagles claim Scottish Rugby League title

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 24 July 2023

EDINBURGH EAGLES WIN SCOTTISH GRAND FINAL

A hat trick from player/coach Craig Robertson and perfect goal kicking via the boot of Pete Burns ensured Edinburgh Eagles were crowned Scotland RL champions for the twelfth time, defeating Forth Valley Vikings 48-24 at Glensburgh, Grangemouth.

“It was a great day and result. Everything we worked on went to plan and we were rewarded for the effort and work ethic of the whole squad, not just those that played today,” said Craig Robertson. Eagles’ captain, Lewis Clarke, added: “It was always to goal at the start of the season to win the Grand Final and hopefully get a place in the Challenge Cup next year. Credit to Forth Valley, they’ve made us work for it this year.”

The game was only two minutes old when Bill Rokobuli crashed over for the opening score for the Eagles, adding a second on nine minutes after Mark Robertson managed to smuggle the ball out of the tackle for his winger to go in unopposed.

Play ebbed and flowed as Forth Valley started to settle and get a foothold in the game. They were rewarded on 22 minutes when free-scoring hooker Duncan Arthur went over for his first of the afternoon. Euan Edmond couldn’t at the extras, nor could he to Callum Williamson’s try on 34 minutes, but at 12-8 it was all to play for with half time approaching.

Whatever was said behind the posts fired up the Eagles as they ran in back-to-back tries just before the break from Clarke and Craig Robertson to give them a 24-8 halftime lead.

The men from the capital hit a purple patch early in the second period, posting three touchdowns in seven minutes. Craig Robertson added his second, Mark Robertson went over on 57 minutes in his last game for the Eagles before he heads to Malta, and Sean Taylor slid over in the corner just after the hour mark.

League Leaders Shield winners, The Vikings, rallied as Arthur crossed for his second and prolific loose-forward Gregor Ramsay added his name to the scoresheet following the sinbinning of Eagles Keni Dakuidreketi.

Man of the Match Craig Robertson’s hat trick score and Burns’ eighth conversion extinguished any chance of a Forth Valley comeback. Not to be outdone, Arthur added his third try on 78 minutes, Edmond with his second conversion.

Forth Valley Vikings coach, Kris Illingworth, felt that while the result didn’t go their way, there were plenty of positives. “We’ve made big progress since we started three years ago and that’s shown this season,” he said. “It’s obviously disappointing to fall short at the final hurdle but we won the League Leaders shield and I couldn’t be prouder of the boys.” His sentiments were echoed by back row Jordan Usher. “It was a very tough, physical game as expected. It was a great effort from all of the lads but, unfortunately, we just weren’t good enough on the day. The progress we’ve made over three years is massive and we look forward to going again next season.”

EDINBURGH EAGLES 48

1 Roserutabua Tawanavavulala

2 Sean Taylor

3 Brodie Wilson

4 Mark Robertson

5 Bill Rokobuli

6 Lewis Clarke (C)

7 Pete Burns

8 Paul Wilson

9 Apenai Kororua

10 Max Filby

11 Craig Robertson

12 Josh O’Brien

13 Jordan Duncan

Subs:

14 Tukana Taoi

15 Terry Logan

16 Orisi Waibuta

17 Keni Dakuidreketi

18 Inosi Korovavala

Tries: C. Robertson (3), Rokobuli (2), M. Robertson, Clarke, Taylor

Goals: Burns 8/8

FORTH VALLEY VIKINGS 24

1 Callum Williamson

2 Ryan Butterworth

3 Lee Cairney (C)

4 Marc Murray

5 Gregor Lumsden

6 Daniel Cockcroft

7 Euan Edmond

8 Robert Hodge

9 Duncan Arthur

10 Sam Herron

11 Jordan Usher

12 Gregor McKinnon

13 Gregor Ramsay

Subs:

14 Taylor Paul

15 David Grainey

16 Cole Ronald

17 David Cree

18 Mark Burke

Tries: Arthur (3), Williamson, Ramsay

Goals: Edmond 2/5

Half time: 24-8

Referee: Luke Fenton

Photo credit – Jax McKenzie Photography

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 22, 2023

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European Rugby League appoint Gilles Dumas to board

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 22 July 2023

ERL APPOINT GILLES DUMAS TO BOARD

Former French international player and coach Gilles Dumas has been appointed as a director of European Rugby League, replacing Luc Lacoste who recently resigned from his position due to ill health.

Dumas’s playing career saw him make 27 appearances for France between 1986 and 1993 and he also coached the national team for 24 games between 1998 and 2003, winning 10 of those fixtures. He is currently the high performance director within the French Federation and will bring elite level experience to the ERL board.

“I am very proud to be representing the FFRXIII on the board of European Rugby League,” he said. “France’s position in rugby league in Europe is very important and plays a leading role in the development and growth of the game on the continent. I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to the board.”

The European Rugby League board is made up of nine directors, four independent, three member-elected and two nominated by the Rugby Football League (England) and the French Rugby League Federation respectively. In turn, European Rugby League nominates three directors to the board of International Rugby League, with ERL chair Dean Andrew set to replace Lacoste on the IRL board.

“I am very pleased to welcome Gilles to the ERL board,” noted Dean Andrew. “His experience will add to the existing skill set of the current members and his knowledge of the international game in Europe will be very welcome. At the same time, I am looking forward to joining the board of International Rugby League and representing our members from Europe, the Americas and Middle East Africa.”

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 21, 2023

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South Africa and Philippines name squads for rugby league international

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 21 July 2023

SOUTH AFRICA & PHILIPPINES NAME SQUADS

South Africa and Philippines have named their squads for their international clash tomorrow (Saturday) at Tugun RLFC on the Gold Coast (kick off 3pm local time). The sides will play for the inaugural Felix Flores Cup which celebrates one of the first Filipino settlers in South Africa in 1863 at Kalk Bay, among the nation’s most iconic fishing villages in the Western Cape.

Dr Frans Erasmus, president of SARL, commented: “This match represents not only a celebration of the sport we love but also an opportunity to foster international camaraderie and friendship. It is a testament to the growth and development of rugby league in both South Africa and the Philippines, and we are confident it will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.”

Rhinos’ coach, Darry Fisher, added: “We have had a good camp this week for what will be an extremely competitive Test match with the Philippines. The majority of the squad have been working closely with our strength and conditioning coach Hayden Fisher, and we are hoping to build on the great progress made as a group in 2022.”

Marc Russell, Tamaraws co-captain, said: “We’re really excited about the match up with the Rhinos. The last time our two countries met they got up on us so we would love to square the ledger, we’re really looking at continuing our momentum from the Malta game. Over the past few years, we have developed a passionate and exuberant bunch of players who have a better understanding of international rugby league and what is required from them.”

The match is being live streamed by BarTV Sports.

SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD

Luke De Vlieg, Jason Smith, Keegan Turner, Bevan Devries, Jason Cutler, Reilly Canning, Kam Cryer, Joel Tubbs, Harry Blake, Shane Gillham, Halvor Harris, Kobe Martin, Adien Perry, Jovan Pienaar, Kalum Gillvier Brown, Jason King, Ashley Bull, Joshua Hill, Juan Benadie

PHILIPPINES SQUAD

Isaac Rosario, Ivan Lynch, Thomas Cartwright, Richard Mante, Tyrone O’Leary, Marc Russell (c), Dylan Jones (c), Tyrone Tootell, Ryan Jones, Russell Nelson, Ian Nelson, AJ Morrison, Gerald Reyes, Jeremy Cairns, Jordan Jones, Raffy Dian Zappia, Gerald Ubaldo, Jeff Vaughan

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 18, 2023

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Ghana Rugby League announce first female president

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 18 July 2023

GHANA RUGBY LEAGUE ANNOUNCE NEW BOARD

Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG) has announced their new board for the next two year term, from 2023-25. In an historic appointment, Juliana Storey – lead consultant at the 360 Education Consultancy – has been elected the organization’s first female president.

Daniel Oko Djanie has been elected vice president, with Edinam Afi Yengbe as general secretary and Richard Tony Kweku Borsah the organization’s treasurer. Other board members are Augustine Amissare, senior assistant registrar at the University of Ghana Sports Directorate, and Robert Oram, managing director of PIL Ghana Ltd.

“As the newly appointed president of the RLFG, I am honoured to collaborate with my esteemed fellow board members to spearhead the growth and development of rugby league in Ghana,” said Storey. “We are set for an exciting future, embracing the opportunity to harness the full potential of the sport within the nation.”

She added: “The recent success of the men 13s Championship emphasizes the immense potential of the game in Ghana. It showcased tremendous sportsmanship, respect, and camaraderie, exemplifying the core values of rugby league.”

Her election is a significant step towards fostering greater inclusivity and gender diversity within the federation and the RLFG bord has confirmed in its mission statement that it is now well-positioned to embrace growth, encourage active participation and elevate the popularity and success of rugby league in Ghana to unprecedented levels.

The board will be overseen by a board of trustees who initially helped develop the sport in the nation, namely Kareem Captan, its chair, Remond Safi, Ibrahim El Hajji, Nana Farouk Premeh and Andy Gilvary.

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 14, 2023

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French rugby league match officials spend week in England

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 14 July 2023

FRENCH MATCH OFFICIALS SPEND WEEK IN ENGLAND

Four promising French Match Officials, under the watchful eye of Nicolas Silvestre – a member of the French Federation’s Match Officials Board – visited England last week to take charge of several games to aid their development.

Gabriel Tollot (18) from Albi, Hugo Carpentier-Ruellle (21) and Louis Moreau (18) from Toulouse and Enzo Peyre (20) from Bergerac spent the week based in Manchester as part of an initiative by the FFRXIII to give opportunities to promising young match officials.

The trip was arranged in conjunction with Mike Smaill from the RFL’s Match Officials department, and the plan is for a party of upcoming young English referees to visit France during their off-season to give similar opportunities.

All of the visiting officials have been involved in Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique’s Super League and Championship games in France, and all have experience as touch judges in the French Elite 1 league and as referees in the U19s league, with Peyre also having had refereeing appointments in Elite 1 and Elite 2 on a regular basis.

Peyre was touch judge for York City Knights v Halifax Panthers in the Championship, whilst Carpentier-Ruellle was appointed to Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles, with Tollot and Moreau, with Silvestre in support, officiating an U14s game between Saddleworth and Wigan St Judes between them.

Mid-week saw the group at Woolston Rovers and Orrell St James’s for more junior games, before Peyre and Carpentier-Ruellle were reserve referee and reserve touch judge respectively at Warrington Wolves v St Helens in the Men’s Super League, while Peyre took charge of St Helens v Warrington Wolves in the Women’s Super League with Silvestre and Tollot touch judging. Carpentier-Ruellle and Moreau touch judged Salford Red Devils v Barrow Raidettes in the same league.

“I was excited for my appointments, but I was ready and confident,” explained Peyre who also gained experience in last year’s U19s European Championships in Italy. “I was very pleased with the whole week and the experience gained was very valuable.”

As well as the games, the group also spent two days training with the RFL’s full time match officials at their Ruskin Drive facility in St Helens, with time also spent in the gym and learning about rehabilitation, including an evening field session with the part-time referees.

St Helens match official’s society also welcomed the group to their meeting and they spent time meeting luminaries of the English match officials ranks such as Tony Brown and Gerry Kershaw.

“It was hard days at Ruskin Drive,” noted Moreau. “It was an interesting experience to learn from the top match officials. At our games it was very useful to practise English and to work with the younger players. We got good feedback from the coaches too. I am very happy with the week.”

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 13, 2023

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Rugby league season set to start in Poland

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FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 13 July, 2023

SEASON SET TO START IN POLAND

Having hosted Oxford University on a two-game tour, the domestic season is set to start in Poland this weekend. The competition begins on Saturday, (15 July) with a game in Gra Kalwaria where the local team will face reigning champions and the nations oldest club, Sroki d.

Four teams will take in the competition with the top two qualifying for the Grand Final on 26 August. Husaria Kalisz made the decider last year and have merged with a newly formed team from southern Poland based in Czstochowa.

In another collaboration, Tryton Warszawa the 2020 champions have joined forces with Wildcats Gra Kalwaria, another new club from a town 50 km south of Warsaw.

The fourth side is AZS AWF Warszawa, a rugby union side from the capital.

Poland Rugby League president, ukasz ucka, commented: I am very proud that our domestic competition is kicking off and that four teams will contest our national championships. PRXIII is working hard to achieve Affiliate Member status with the support of European Rugby League, and this is a very important part of our application, I look forward to seeing the clubs in action.

We are also hoping to arrange four international fixtures, two of them at home, which gives our domestic players something further to aspire to and the opportunity to represent their country. Our coaches, Colin Baker and Dean Reacher, have brought enthusiasm and professionalism to the national team and have a strong focus on developing our domestic talent and are both very much looking forward to these games too.

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 13, 2023

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Rugby league season set to start in Poland

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 13 July, 2023

SEASON SET TO START IN POLAND

In another collaboration, Tryton Warszawa the 2020 champions have joined forces with Wildcats Gra Kalwaria, another new club from a town 50 km south of Warsaw.

The fourth side is AZS AWF Warszawa, a rugby union side from the capital.

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

July 8, 2023

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Ghana Rugby League complete successful men’s season

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION

FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT

DATE: 8 July, 2023

SKOLARS CROWNED 2023 MEN’S CHAMPIONS IN GHANA

The 2023 men’s 13s Championship came to a thrilling end at the University of Ghana’s Ajax Park, Accra, with Skolars emerging as champions for the third year running, defeating Accra Panthers, 22-10, to end the round-robin format tournament.

The ten-week competition featured four clubs, Skolars finishing with 18 points, losing only two matches. Nangua Tigers were second on 15, Bulls and Panthers both ending with 12.

RLFG president, Juliana Storey, said: “Looking at the development of the sport, I must say the possibilities for it here are limitless and together we will get rugby league to even greater heights.”

Greater Accra regional manager Riddick Alibah added: “It was an amazing season. The 13’s delivered more than we imagined, with surprises, passion, and greater technical skills. We anticipate a better, tougher, and more intriguing competition going forward. Congratulations to all the teams, players, and officials. Our league is here to stay and grow.”

“Congratulations to Skolars and all participating teams for delivering an unforgettable championship season,” noted RLFG general manager, Jafaru Mustapha. “The 2023 13s men’s Championship was a thrilling spectacle, drawing big crowds, new sponsors and generating excitement for all.”

Phil Caplan

Media Manager

M: +44 (0) 7850 719 412

E: phil.caplan

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Ireland Rugby League stage Grand Finals Day

Kenya Rugby League apply for Affiliate Membership

Edinburgh Eagles claim Scottish Rugby League title

European Rugby League appoint Gilles Dumas to board

South Africa and Philippines name squads for rugby league international

Ghana Rugby League announce first female president

French rugby league match officials spend week in England

Rugby league season set to start in Poland

Rugby league season set to start in Poland

Ghana Rugby League complete successful men’s season

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