The senior Czech Rugby League teams will be divided into 2 divisions in 2012. This decision was made at the CZRLA’s 2012 AGM, where formal proposals were accepted from 4 new clubs – Hradec Kralove, Mikulov, Usti Nad Labem and Havlíčkův Brod – for Associate Membership of the sport’s Czech governing body, while the Prague Vikings, who have competed in all 3 years of the Czech Rugby League Championship and also satisfied minimum requirements for the position, were granted Full Membership Club status. With 10 senior clubs now operating in the Czech Republic, but with a vast gulf in experience between those teams who have progressively played in the Czech Championship since it was inaugurated in 2009 and those 5 debuting in full 13aside competition in 2012, it was felt that 2 divisions was a positive move for Czech rugby league domestic development.
The 2012 CZRLA season will kick-off in March with a domestic 9s tournament involving all clubs, followed by the 2nd annual CZRLA International 9s Tournament to be held over the Easter long weekend in Pardubice, before the 2 division Czech Championship is launched in April. The 1st division will be made up of the same 4 clubs – Pardubice Jets, Lokomotiva Beroun, Vrchlabi Mad Squirrels and Prague Vikings – who competed in the 2011 Czech Championship, while the 2nd division will consist of 5 clubs playing their debut seasons – Chrudim (who played 1 match, a post-season friendly against Vrchlabi, in 2011), Hradec Kralove, Mikulov, Usti Nad Labem and Havlíčkův Brod.
2012 will also see the Czech Republic look to defend the Euro Bowli t won in 2011 with a decisive win against Hungary, while an under 18s Czech national team will compete in a European tournament in Serbia and will also take on the might of the touring BARLA under I8s team in 2 matches at home in June.
The CZRLA is open to hosting touring sides from abroad and is also keen to round out the CZRLA International 9s Tournament over the Easter long weekend with 1 more participant, be it a club or representative team. Anyone interested in cooperating in either should contact the Czech Rugby League Development Manager on the following email: andy.mulhall@rlef.eu.com
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