South Africa congratulate Australia and New Zealand on winning right to host 2017 Rugby League World Cup

From Phil Caplan, RLEF media The Rugby League International Federation today announced that Australia and New Zealand were jointly successful in winning the right to host the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, ahead of a bid from South Africa. Chairman of the bid committee and RLIF vice chairman, Nigel Wood said: “The bid from South Africa was very strong, prepared professionally and clearly demonstrated a passion for...

PRESIDENT OF ITALIAN RUGBY LEAGUE PAYS TRIBUTE TO WORK DONE BY NAPOLITANO

From Phil Caplan, RLEF media Italian Rugby League President, Orazio D’Arro, has paid fulsome tribute to the work done by head coach Carlo Napolitano who has stood down from the national role after leading the Azzurri in their inaugural, successful 2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign. “Rarely in life do you meet people of the calibre of Carlo Napolitano,” said D’Arro. “From 2008 he has dedicated a large portion of...

Australia and New Zealand announced as the hosts of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup

From SAfRL media The Rugby League International Federation today announced that Australia and New Zealand were the successful bidders to host the 2017 RLIF World Cup. The joint bid was one of two bids, with South Africa being the other nation bidding for the honors to host this prestigious event. Chairman of the bid committee and RLIF Vice-Chair, Nigel Wood said “This was not a simple decision but with fans of...

FIRST SPANISH RUGBY LEAGUE COACHES QUALIFIED

From Phil Caplan, RLEF Media The Asociación Española de Rugby League (AERL) has hosted its first technical course with 24 new local coaches receiving their Level 1 certificate after the two-day gathering in Albal, Valencia. Six clubs were present – Irreductibles Mislata RL, RL Albal Valencian Warriors, Rugby Sciences Valencia, CR Edetans Montcada, Alzira Rugby Club, UER Montcada – in addition to a delegation...

CZECH RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS TRANSFORMED INTO RABBITOHS

From Phil Caplan, RLEF Media The current CZRLA Second Division Grand Final winners Chrudim Angels have been rebranded the Rabbitohs after entering into a strategic partnership with Australian powerhouse club South Sydney, owned by Russell Crowe. Chrudim, who were established in 2011, came to the attention of the famous NRL outfit when Rabbitohs CEO Shane Richardson was a guest of the CZRLA at their annual awards...

MIDDLE EAST REGION LOOKS TO INCREASE RUGBY LEAGUE OPPORTUNITIES DESPITE POLITICAL SITUATION

From Phil Caplan, RLRF Media Despite the obstacles, which has seen some MENA (Middle East North Africa) age-group tournaments again postponed, there is evidence of rugby league’s growing popularity in the region, with open age activity scheduled for 2014, in addition to U20, U18, U16 and U14s. “The game is still flourishing in its stronghold of Jeddah, with the number of schools, coaches and players increasing,”...

RUGBY LEAGUE TO FEATURE WITHIN COMMONWEALTH GAMES IN GLASGOW

From Phil Caplan, RLEF media The lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature rugby league as an exhibition sport, with an U19s 9s Championship involving five of the six Commonwealth Regions. The Rugby League Commonwealth Championship 2014 will be contested by South Africa, Canada, Jamaica, England, Scotland, Wales, Australia and Papua New Guinea, with the teams split into two groups. The matches will...

RLEF STATEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL CALENDAR AND SPORTACCORD MEMBERSHIP

From Phil Caplan, RLEF media The Rugby League European Federation Board of Directors has met for the first time in 2014 to discuss some of the key issues facing the federation following the successful 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Following the meeting, the Board issued the following statement: “The RLEF is keen for the RL International Federation to conclude its deliberations on the international calendar so that...