International International Rugby League Thread

[RLS]

Re: Wales defeat Ireland to advance to Shield Decider

GEORGIA 44 SERBIA 12 – Dynamo Stadium Tiblisi
Mon Jul 25, 4:12am (UK)
Georgia won the inaugural European Nations Qualifying Tournament with a superb 44-12, eight try victory over Serbia in front of over 8,000 wildly ecstatic fans in the Dynamo Stadium in the nation’s capital Tiblisi on Sunday evening.

The match, which was broadcast live on national television, was watched by European Nations Tournament Director Graeme Thompson and Development Officer Kevin Rudd and initial indications are that the pair will recommend the Georgians inclusion as the sixth team in this autumn’s full European Nations competition subject to off field guarantees and assurances.

The first international to be played on Georgian soil saw the crowd treated to a spectacular pre-match show with local singers and dancing preceding a huge firework display which appeared like a waterfall of fire over the roofs of the oval stands. The crowd became even more animated when the host side performed their traditional ‘haka’ before putting on an outstanding display.

Second rower Aleksander Gilauri led the way with two tries for the Georgians, the others coming from; Nodar Anguladze, Zviadi Maisuradze, Bizina Samkharashvili, Zviad Koberidze, Lekso Gugava and Nikoloz Mkheidze while stand off Kakhaber Kobakhidze kicked six goals.

For the Serbians, who were competitive throughout, London Skolars scrum half Zoran Pesic and Nemanja Popsogorovic touched down with Dalibor Vukanovic, who is also on loan in the capital, kicking two goals.

Graeme Thompson commented, “The quality of the play was outstanding in what was a truly marvellous spectacle. We will be doing everything we can to help the code grow and prosper in the republic because it appears the demand for the sport is here.”

In the earlier matches Georgia beat Holland while the Dutch won in Serbia in significant advances for Rugby League in Europe.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I've read a few of theses articles, and thought that it was pretty good that their playing league in these places, but you usually see a crowd of about 3 - 400 people there, when I read this one and saw that there were 8,000 people there.... that is a pretty significant number in what you could only call growing nations.

Let's hope that it can continue.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Georgia defeat Serbia @ Dynamo Stadium, Tiblisi

GEORGIA 44 SERBIA 12 – Dynamo Stadium Tiblisi
Mon Jul 25, 4:12am (UK)
Georgia won the inaugural European Nations Qualifying Tournament with a superb 44-12, eight try victory over Serbia in front of over 8,000 wildly ecstatic fans in the Dynamo Stadium in the nation’s capital Tiblisi on Sunday evening.

The match, which was broadcast live on national television, was watched by European Nations Tournament Director Graeme Thompson and Development Officer Kevin Rudd and initial indications are that the pair will recommend the Georgians inclusion as the sixth team in this autumn’s full European Nations competition subject to off field guarantees and assurances.

The first international to be played on Georgian soil saw the crowd treated to a spectacular pre-match show with local singers and dancing preceding a huge firework display which appeared like a waterfall of fire over the roofs of the oval stands. The crowd became even more animated when the host side performed their traditional ‘haka’ before putting on an outstanding display.

Second rower Aleksander Gilauri led the way with two tries for the Georgians, the others coming from; Nodar Anguladze, Zviadi Maisuradze, Bizina Samkharashvili, Zviad Koberidze, Lekso Gugava and Nikoloz Mkheidze while stand off Kakhaber Kobakhidze kicked six goals.

For the Serbians, who were competitive throughout, London Skolars scrum half Zoran Pesic and Nemanja Popsogorovic touched down with Dalibor Vukanovic, who is also on loan in the capital, kicking two goals.

Graeme Thompson commented, “The quality of the play was outstanding in what was a truly marvellous spectacle. We will be doing everything we can to help the code grow and prosper in the republic because it appears the demand for the sport is here.”

In the earlier matches Georgia beat Holland while the Dutch won in Serbia in significant advances for Rugby League in Europe.

 

[littleduck]

Re: Georgia defeat Serbia @ Dynamo Stadium, Tiblisi

Expansion is progressing rather well at the 2nd and 3rd tier of nations...

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: Georgia defeat Serbia @ Dynamo Stadium, Tiblisi

Expansion is progressing rather well at the 2nd and 3rd tier of nations...

To be honest, I wasn't aware that Georgia played the game, let alone were good enough to win the European Nations Qualifying Tournamnet.
Good Stuff!

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Re: Georgia defeat Serbia @ Dynamo Stadium, Tiblisi

The way I heard it, the Georgians came out here in 2003 for the rah rah wc.

When they got here, the NRL GF (Syd-Pen) was about to be played, them and a couple of other rah rah teams asked the NRL for Tix to the game.

They must've really, really liked it.

"8,000 wildly ecstatic fans" watched it at the ground, I hope the people in tv land felt the same way.

I can't wait to see what the crowd will be when they play the Russians in the ENC.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: Georgia defeat Serbia @ Dynamo Stadium, Tiblisi

"8,000 wildly ecstatic fans" watched it at the ground, I hope the people in tv land felt the same way.

I can't wait to see what the crowd will be when they play the Russians in the ENC.

It will be massive.
When Russia played Taterstan in the Student European Cup 2 years ago the crowd was 25,000.
They have also had crowds of 30,000+ to games against USA, Japan and South Africa.

Also......


Early Scotland goal proves to be crucial
Mon Jul 25, 11:18pm (UK)
Written by: Andrew Jackson
ENGLAND LIONHEARTS 16
SCOTLAND ‘A’ 17
ANDREW JACKSON at New River Stadium

It seemed a strange move when Scotland full-back Barry Edgar kicked a drop goal less than five minutes into the game. However, that point turned out to invaluable as the Scots recorded their first win over the English at any level for nine years. With the two games at New River earlier in the day being settled by two and three points, this game went oven closer, an agonising defeat for the home side leaving them at the bottom of the home nations championship table.

That early drop goal started to make more sense as a dour first half progressed with neither side able to take control. Though prop Harry Heasman went close, England were restricted to a single Paul Lord penalty goal. Scotland regained the league with a clever Paul Burns pass opening up a gap for Rob Copley to score.

England looked keen to turn round the 2-7 half-time deficit. Nigel Brook Walters was stopped just short of the line, before Tom Sibley crossed for a try. Scrum half Mark Roach made a good break out wide but couldn’t avoid the corner flag as he tried to evade the defence. However, when Brook-Walters crashed over, it looked like the floodgates would open and another Lord penalty seemed to have given the Lionhearts an unassailable lead.

The Scots started to turn the game wound, with strong defence by Mark Slatter and James Mackay starting to take effect. A great solo effort from Ben Copley was converted by Edgar to narrow the gap to three points. When younger brother Rob slipped in at the corner to give the Scots a narrow lead, it set up a tense finish. Harry Heasman almost pulled it back for the Lionhearts, but couldn’t hold onto the ball as he tried to crash through the defence on the line. The Scots started to look a different team to the one that had started the second half as they sensed a famous victory. Hooker Mark Burns was held over the line as the Scots held on for the win.

LIONHEARTS
1 Richard Whitehouse
2 David West
3 Carl Wesley
4 Tom Sibley
5 Grant Farrow
6 Paul Lord
7 Mark Roach
8 Richard Lofthouse
9 Chris Spiers
10 Harry Heasman
11 Iestyn Pratt
12 Carl Leach
13 Dan Reeds
Subs (all used)
14 Stuart Langhorn
15 Tom Emmings
16 Nigel Brooks-Walters
17 Andrew Lake
18 Craig Campbell
19 Gareth Pratt

Tries: Sibley (45), Brooks Walters (58)
Goals: Lord 4/4

SCOTLAND
1 Barry Edgar
2 Paul Clark
3 Rob Copley
4 Kieran Eddy
5 Andy Brown
6 Nathan Graham
7 Al Stewart
8 Ash Carroll
9 Mark Burns
10 James Mackay
11 David Simm
12 Mark Slatter
13 John McDonald
Subs (all used)
14 Ben Copley
15 Andy Todd
16 Mike Benson
17 Nick Surtees
18 Steve Deviney
19 Kevin Lang
20 Scott McGilvary

Tries: Rob Copley (28), (72), Ben Copley (68)
Goals: Edgar 2/3
Drop goal: Edgar

Men of the Match
England: Tom Sibley
Scotland: Barry Edgar

Half-time: 2-7
Referee: Matthew Kidd

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

European Rugby League Updates

Scotland Finish Second After Irish Romp
Wed Aug 17, 4:25am (Scotland)
Written by: Gavin Willacy
SCOTLAND 44 IRELAND 16 at Braidholm, Glasgow

Scotland completed a comfortable win over Ireland at GHA to ensure second place in the Parkhouse Recruitment Amateur Four Nations Championship for the second successive year – unless a 104 point win by pointless England in unbeaten Wales on 11 September hands Scotland the title!

The men in blue controlled the game throughout, racing away to a fine win featuring a second-half hat-trick by substitute Ian Gilmour.

Although they were missing a couple of key players, it was still a surprisingly disappointing display by an Ireland side who had recently won convincingly against England at Odsal. Scotland were forced into making five changes from the 20-man squad that beat England by a point, stand-off Gilmour returning in place of the injured Mike Benson, with wingers Dougie Thompson, Mark Webster and Andy McPhail all called up from the Student World Cup squad to make their first appearances at A level this season. Fife Lions prop Craig Stewart made his A team debut, stepping up after an impressive tour with the Development squad to Germany and Holland, and becoming the 30th player used by Scotland A in the tournament. A pre-match injury suffered by McPhail prevented him from coming off the bench.

Scotland looked dangerous from the off, bombing two opportunities on the overlap before veteran hooker Mark BURNS barged over from close range after Steve Deviney had gone close. From the re-start, Kieran EDDY broke away and raced 70m to score, Barry Edgar adding the goal for a 10-0 lead.

Ireland bounced back with a bout of pressure, Joe MANUEL missing woefully with one penalty attempt before converting another on the half hour mark. But a great break by Nick Surtees and some expansive football by Scotland allowed DEVINEY to blast through to touch down.

Edgar missed the conversion but the feel-good factor was washing around the sun-drenched Braidholm ground a minute later when Scotland scored a sensational try. Second rower Scott MacGillivray made a fine 50 metre burst, side-stepping his way past a marker before being felled by the full-back. From the next play, Scotland worked the ball from left to right and just as Edgar looked like going for the line, he sent in a delightfully-unexpected grubber which was brilliantly taken mid-air by Mark WEBSTER in the corner, EDGAR added a fine conversion for a 20-2 half-time lead.

As against England and Wales, Scotland were second best immediately after half time and were under the cosh. A penalty brought Ireland downfield and prop Mark PHELAN bounced off three tacklers to score on the left. But the pressure was relieved – and probably the game sealed – four minutes later. After Manuel had missed the kick to leave Ireland 14 points adrift, the Scots’ thrilling passing game appeared to have found no way through until GILMOUR produced a bit of magic. A chip and chase straight out of his box of tricks brought the crowd to their feet as he raced to the line. Edgar’s goal made it 26-6 with still half an hour to play.

Steve NOLAN narrowed the gap when he bundled over from close range for the Wolfhounds and Brian O’LEARY converted, but Scotland again responded immediately with a bizarre try. Andy Todd was almost over on the right but the ball was kept alive by a punch as it moved to the left where WEBSTER snaffled another four pointer.

Scotland had the game sewn up even before EDDY went in on the left for his second try and as the game degenerated, a Deviney intercept paved the way for GILMOUR to waltz in for a splendid try on the break. Al Stewart somehow missed the kick.

With three minutes left, Ireland’s Mike BRODIE went in from close range to make it 40-16 but in the final seconds, GILMOUR completed his hat-trick with a wonderful 90 metre breakaway and sprint for the line. Fittingly, the last kick of the game went to Edgar for a simple conversion in front of the posts. Astonishingly, the full-back playing on his home ground, managed to hit the upright. His embarrassment did not last long as the whistle went on a fine season for the Scots.


1 Barry Edgar (Clyde Bulls)
2 Rob Copley (Clyde Bulls)
3 Andy Brown (Fife Lions)
4 Kieran Eddy (Clyde Bulls)
14 Doug Thompson (Scotland Students)
16 Nathan Graham (Clyde Bulls)
7 Al Stewart (Liverpool Bucs)
8 Ash Carroll © (Edinburgh Eagles)
9 Mark Burns (Birmingham Bulldogs)
10 James Mackay (Penrith Pumas)
18 Nick Surtees (St Albans Centurions)
19 Steve Deviney (Easterhouse Panthers)
21 David Simm (Edinburgh Eagles)

Subs used:
5 Mark Webster (Liverpool Bucs)
6 Ian Gilmour (Leicester Phoenix)
11 Scott MacGillivray (Fife Lions)
15 Andy Todd (Edinburgh Eagles)
17 Craig Stewart (Fife Lions)
20 Kevin Lang (Clyde Bulls)
Unused:
22 Andy McPhail (Clyde Bulls)

IRELAND
1 Killian Kennedy (Dublin Blues)
2 Ciaran Barry (Treaty City Titans)
3 Mike Brodie (Treaty City Titans)
4 Mike HArte (Portlaoise Panthers)
5 Alan Pembroke (Kilkenny Wildcats)
6 Joe Manuel (Kilkenny Wildcats)
7 Lance Bullen (Dublin Blues)
8 Phil Purdue (East Coast Exiles)
9 Pete Cunningham (East Coast Eagles)
10 Steve Nolan (Dublin City Exiles)
11 Carl Roche (Dublin City Exiles)
12 Brian O’Leary (Kerry Kings)
13 Kevin O’Riordan (Treaty City Titans)
14 Simon Manuel © (Kilkenny Wildcats)
15 Declan Nash (Treaty City Titans)
16 Liam Browne (Treaty City Titans)
18 Keith Kirwan (Waterford Vikings)
19 Barry Sweeney (Waterford Vikings)
20 Mark Phelan (Dublin Blues)

Referee: Michael Burgess (England)

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: European Rugby League Updates

Demons and Miners to compete in Union sevens on Saturday
Wed Aug 17, 2:35pm (Wales)
Written by: Ian Golden
Despite losing their grip on the Welsh Shield, Cardiff Demons are looking to end the season with a trophy when they compete in a Sevens tournament on their home ground of Taff's Well RFC.

Also entering the eight team tournament are fellow Welsh Rugby League Conference Premier side, Swansea Valley Miners, host club Taff's Well RFC and local rugby union sides, Llanishen, St Peters, Rhiwbina, Bedwas and Bedlinog.

Despite the tournament being played under rugby union rules, Demons' coach, Andrew Bradshaw is confident that his side will walk off with the trophy.

"We're putting out a team based on speed not size." said Bradshaw. "Sevens relies a lot more on ball-handling skills, running and try-scoring which is why league players always excel in this form of rugby. We also hope we're drawn in the same group as our host club Taff's Well as we'd love to play against them."

Past history has shown than when a league club enters a union sevens tournament they often win the whole thing - the most famous being when Wigan Warriors and Bradford Bulls who both entered and won the Middlesex Sevens at the turn of the century. Come to Taff's Well RFC on Saturday from 1pm to see if Cardiff Demons can follow suit.

Cardiff Demons Squad: Andrew Bradshaw, Mike Regan, Adam King, Jamie Iles, Dwayne Iles, Andy Daniel, Ross Olney, Neil Thomas, Andre Boon and one other TBC.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: European Rugby League Updates

Blue Bulls face an unknown Storm
Thu Aug 18, 2:39pm (Wales)
Written by: Simon Green
Bridgend Blue Bulls v South London Storm
Sunday 21st August, K.O 2:30pm
HARRY JEPSON CUP SEMI FINAL
Chosen Hill RFC, Gloucester.

Bridgend Blue Bulls head to Gloucester on Sunday to face South London Storm in the Harry Jepson Cup semi final at Chosen Hill Old Boys RFC, a competition they won back in 2003.

Bridgend and South London face each other after they became Welsh and South of England Champions respectively in the Total RL.com Rugby League Conference Premier.

The Bulls travel into the unknown and know very little about London side. Bulls captain Kevin Ellis said "When we play Aberavon, Torfaen or Cardiff we pretty much know what we are up against but we have very little info about them, but they are obviously a good side as they have easily won the Southern Conference and conceded very few points. It will be a step up for the boys and we will have to play even better than last weekend to win, but we have worked hard in training and whatever happens on Sunday you can guarantee we will be giving it 100%."

Despite breaking his thumb prior to last weekends Welsh Final, Ellis is expected to play on Sunday and Bridgend also welcome back wing Geraint Lewis who missed the Final with a calf injury. But the Bulls will be without Lenny Woodard, John Devereux and Neil Dixon, all of whom starred against Torfaen and will be greatly missed.

In the absence of Dixon, the Bulls have moved their top try scorer Grant Epton from wing to fullback with Geraint Lewis and Owen Strong starting out wide. Carle Ellis moves into the centre from 2nd row alongside last weeks Man of the Match Paul Morgan with Gareth David at stand-off.

The small but speedy Craig Fox will also have big part to play in the semi and if not starting the scrum half come hookers pace and skill will almost certainly be used from the bench,

In the forwards the Bulls have an embarrassment of riches, Hywel Davies, Jon Purnell, Leigh Taylor and Mathew Wareham will battle it out for the prop berths while in the second row Nathan Strong and Dean Fitzgerald look certain to start with the hard tackling Marcus Sainsbury returning to loose forward. Lloyd O’Connor is likely to get the nod at hooker while Daryl Dyke, Gareth Bartlett and Gareth Hopkins will also be hoping to be selected.

Bulls Team Manager Simon Green said "There is a great team spirit amongst the squad and everyone wants to play on Sunday, some will be disappointed but I know that whoever runs out against South London, the rest will be 100% behind them. We have a huge incentive to win as the Grand Final is being held at The Brewery Field and that home support will be crucial. But we have a tough game on Sunday first and we won’t be thinking of the final until it’s over. Whatever happens I am really proud of all the players, none of them gets paid a penny to play yet the enthusiasm and commitment shown is excellent, I just hope they are all fit come Sunday as most have Union games to play the previous day."

Kick off for the game is at 2:30pm, supporters' transport is being run and anyone wishing to travel should phone: 07719 889364.

PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UP:

1. Grant Epton
2. Geraint Lewis
3. Paul Morgan
4. Carle Ellis
5. Owen Strong
6. Gareth David
7. Kevin Ellis or Craig Fox
8. Matthew Wareham or Leigh Taylor
9. Lloyd O’Connor
10. Hywel Davies or Jon Purnell
11. Nathan Strong
12. Dean Fitzgerald
13. Marcus Sainsbury

SUBS TO BE ANNOUCNED

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Wales Vs Lebanon @ Cardiff

Wales v Lebanon match preview
Wed Aug 24, 6:02am (Wales)
Written by: Ian Golden
Weekend’s fixtures

Friday 26 August
”A” International Tour Match
Wales vs Lebanon , Brewery Field, Bridgend - 7.15pm

Saturday August 27
Powergen Champions Schools Year 7 Final
Brynteg (Bridgend) v Castleford High at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 12.45

Powergen Challenge Cup Final
Hull FC vs Leeds Rhinos at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, 14.30

Sunday August 28
Total RL.com National Conference Final
Bridgend Blue Bulls vs Leeds Akkies at Brewery Field, Bridgend, 2.30pm


WALES v LEBANON PREVIEW
An international match kicks off Challenge Cup Final weekend here in the Principality with sides from Wales and Lebanon facing each other at the Brewery Field in Bridgend on Friday (kick-off 7.15pm).

Lebanese Rugby League started in 1997 when they entered the World Sevens in Sydney, reaching the quarter-finals. In 1998, they played their first full games of rugby winning friendly matches against Italy, Japan and France.

In 1999, they entered, and won, the World Cup qualifying tournament. Despite not winning a match in the 2000 World Cup, the Lebanon national side have not lost a game since and are rightly placed sixth in the World in the unofficial rankings, two places above Wales.

The team Wales will be facing on Friday are the “Espoirs” which roughly translates as “hopefuls”. This is their A side, drawn exclusively from their five-team domestic league that started in 2002. They kicked off their tough nine-day campaign on Tuesday in Lancaster against the England A side losing 26-0 but not disgracing themselves.

"If you take away the first five minutes, it was a great game, we defended well for most of the game and attacked well also," said Lebanon head coach, Remond Safi. "Fullback Pierre Nasr had a fantastic game, whilst 17 year old Alan Sultan at loose forward was a revelation. Props George Helou and Antoine Samarani had great games taking the ball up all night and 'giving it' to the English. As a team we learnt a lot from it, and we are looking forward to our next challenge down in Wales."

Following the Welsh match, Lebanon will complete their trip in the Bristol nine-a-side tournament on 28 August. This tour is serving as a trial for full national team honours ahead of October's Mediterranean Cup, where the local players will be joined by Lebanon's elite Australian-based professionals in the defence of the title.

Wales are using this game to view any fringe players who didn’t play in the first two A internationals against Scotland and Ireland. The side will be a mix of students who were at the World Cup in Australia, Wales U19s and also players that have been unavailable for internationals so far this season. No Bridgend Blue Bulls players are included in the squad due to their appearance in Sunday’s National Conference Premier Final at the Brewery Field.

“It’s part of Wales’ strength that we have so many players that are capable of international rugby,” said Wales coach, Wayne Williams. “It’s been another first class year here in the Welsh Conference. All the lads that have been selected here deserve a chance in the Wales A squad and this is their chance to prove themselves. There are places available for the international against England on September and that’s what everyone will be playing for.”

Entrance to the match is the normal price for WRL games at the Brewery Field, £3 for adults and £1 for children and senior citizens.

Wales Squad: Matt Jackson (Cardiff Demons), David Davies (Torfaen Tigers), Geraint Davies (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Jesse Farthing (Torfaen Tigers), Adam Dawe (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Karl Thomas (Valley Cougars), Scott O’kelly (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Pat Howell (Cardiff Demons), David Fenton (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Dennis Pugh (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Andy Llewellyn (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Chris Williams (Torfaen Tigers), Adrian Owen (Valley Cougars), Dewi Scourfield (Cardiff Demons), Mark Dando (Cardiff Demons), Jason Massey (Aberavon Fighting Irish), Martin Crawley (Newport Titans), Gavin Curry (UWIC), Jon Breakingbury (Valley Cougars).

Lebanon Squad: Gilbert Haydamous, Elias Khoury, Naji Bassil, Jad Abinassif, Wassim Moumneh, Pierre Nasr, Hadi Yashruti, Jawad Fakih, Rany Chahoud, Hassan Taha, Bassel Rehayem, George Helou, Omar Darwish, Alan Sultan, Amin Maassarani, Antoine Samarani, Ibrahim Ballout, Georges Rehayem, Youssef El Helou.


LEBANESE RUGBY – A COMPLETE RECORD

World Sevens 1997
8/2/97 v Melbourne (Sydney) 22-4
8/2/97 v NSW Country 16-14
9/2/97 v Parramatta 10-22

National Side
Friendly Matches
11/7/98 v Italy (Sydney) 24-6
15/11/98 v Japan (Nobeoka) 52-28
20/8/99 v France (Sydney) 26-4

World Cup 2000 Qualifying tournament
11/11/99 v Italy (Perpignan) 36-16
14/11/99 v France (Toulouse) 24-38
17/11/99 v Morocco (Avingon) 104-0
21/11/99 v USA (Orlando) 62-8

World Cup 2000 Warm-up Matches
24/8/00 v South Sydney (Sydney) 24-42
1/10/00 v Australian Combined Services (Sydney) 76-0

World Cup 2000
29/10/00 v New Zealand (Gloucester) 0-64
2/11/00 v Wales (Llanelli) 22-24
5/11/00 v Cook Islands (Millennium Stadium) 22-22

Mediterranean Cup 2002
2/11/02 v France (Tripoli) 36-6

Mediterranean Cup 2003
19/10/03 v Serbia (Tripoli) 102-0
22/10/03 v Morocco (Beirut) 60-0
25/10/03 v France (Tripoli) 26-18

Mediterranean Cup 2004
2/10/04 v Serbia (Tripoli) 64-6
5/10/04 v Morocco (Tripoli) 48-14
9/10/04 v France (Tripoli) 42-14

Liban Espoirs
Tour to Morocco 2003
7/2/03 v Casablanca & Rabat XIII (Casablanca) 6-46
10/2/03 v Casablanca & Rabat Under 23s (Rabat) 8-40

Oxford University in Lebanon 2004
13/1/04 v Oxford University (Al Mina) 12-24
18/1/04 v Oxford University (Balamand) 4-24

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Re: Wales Vs Lebanon @ Cardiff

Good to see Wales getting a fair few games at the moment, things should pick up even more when the new team starts playing in NL2 next year.
Won't be long before they make it to SL.

And it very pleasing to see Lebanon playing more games, they are showing the rest of the world how to do it, they've come along way in such a short period of time.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: Wales Vs Lebanon @ Cardiff

Good to see Wales getting a fair few games at the moment, things should pick up even more when the new team starts playing in NL2 next year.
Won't be long before they make it to SL.

And it very pleasing to see Lebanon playing more games, they are showing the rest of the world how to do it, they've come along way in such a short period of time.

I very confident that the thinking of Super League officials is to have an expanded competition with teams from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Russia to join France and England.
The Challenge Cup has recently allowed these teams to enter and France have been included in the Super League for next year. Add to this the addition of Wales and possibly Russian, Scottish and Irish teams and this is how I have formed my opinion of their way of thinking.

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Re: Wales Vs Lebanon @ Cardiff

I very confident that the thinking of Super League officials is to have an expanded competition with teams from Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Russia to join France and England.
The Challenge Cup has recently allowed these teams to enter and France have been included in the Super League for next year. Add to this the addition of Wales and possibly Russian, Scottish and Irish teams and this is how I have formed my opinion of their way of thinking.

Yeah i was thinking the same thing for a while now, but i don't know about Scotland or Ireland yet, maybe in 20 years or so.
Russia, France and Wales though will be in SL by 2010, i think it's the way to go, mind you i could be wrong about the other two, esp Ireland, they seem to be on the up and if you can believe anything you read on the web Scotland would have as many people playing RL as RU over there now, RU seems to be in big decline at the mo and RL on the up, you never know, we may have teams from there in the next decade, how good would that be?

Pity Foxsports treat RL fans like cr@p, they might be in SL soon, but those buggers won't give us any decent coverage

I'm praying at the moment, hopping to get the CC final telecast, won't hold my breath.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Malta Vs England in Malta

MRLA meet with Dr Alfred Sant
Mon Aug 29, 11:38pm (NSW)
Written by: Anthony Micallef (English) & Andrew Zammit-Manduca (Maltese)
The Board of the Maltese Rugby League Association (MRLA) recently had the distinguished honour of meeting with Malta’s opposition leader and leader of the Malta Labour Party (MLP); Dr Alfred Sant and his deputy, Dr Michael Falzon, thanks to MRLA Patron and President of the Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce (AMCC), Chev. Syd Borg.

Representatives of the Malta Labour Party (MLP) and currently in Australia strengthening relations between Malta and Australia; where Malta’s rugby league governing body is currently based, Malta’s opposition leader Dr Alfred Sant talked of his confidence in the Maltese taking on the game of rugby league.

“Rugby league will be the ideal recreational activity for the Maltese” Sant joked.

The Malta Knights will host England Lionhearts at Marsa Stadium in Malta on Saturday 22nd October, historically the first ever game of international rugby league on the island that boasts a diminutive population of less than four hundred thousand.

Possessing players of ex-NRL status as well as some of rugby league’s emerging stars, the expedition onto the isles of Malta will include publicity through many mediums as well as a coaching clinic on the Wednesday leading up to the October 22 fixture with a Sevens competition also in position.

The MRLA also met with Australia’s High Commissioner to Malta, HE Richard Palk who provided great assistance in securing Marsa Stadium, also known as the Matthew Micallef St John Athletic Stadium for the historic first ever rugby league match between Malta and England.

Australia’s high commissioner in Malta, Palk is also keenly anticipating rugby league’s arrival.

MRLA Chairman Michael Borg took the opportunity of meeting with such dignitaries in presenting the MLP leader Dr Alfred Sant, MLP deputy leader Dr Michael Falzon and HE Richard Palk with the trademark Malta rugby league jersey.

Pictured; MRLA Chairman Michael Borg, MRLA Patron & AMCC President Chev. Syd Borg, MLP Deputy Leader Dr Michael Falzon, Australian High Commissioner to Malta HE Richard Palk, MLP Opposition Leader Dr Alfred Sant.

Related websites:
www.malteserugbyleague.com
www.mlp.org.mt

____________________________________________________________________________________


L-MRLA JILTAQU MA DR ALFRED SANT (Malti)
It-Tnejn 29 ta Awissu 2005
Minn Andrew Zammit Manduca

Il-board ta’ l-assoccjazjoni tar-rugby league Malti (MRLA) ricenti kellhom l-hunur li jiltaqu mal-kap ta’ lopposizjoni u l-kap tal-partit laburista (MLP); Dr Alfred Sant u d-deputat tieghu, Dr Michael Falzon, minhabba l-patrun ta’ l-MRLA u l-president ya’ l-Australian Maltese Chamber of Commerce (AMCC), Chev. Syd Borg.

Representativi ghal-partit laburista (MLP) u bhalissa fl-Awstralja issahah ir-relazjoni bejn Malta u l-Awstralja ; fejn fir-rugby league malti il-president joqodu Malta, il-kap ta’ l-opposizjoni Dr Alfred Sant tkellem fuq il-kunfidenzza tighu fil-Maltin Jilghabu l-loghba tar-ruby.

“Ir-rugby league jintlab billi s-sabbat l-irjus, u jghidu li l-Maltin ghandom rashom iebsin”

“Jigifieri rugby league ikun l-ahjar loghba ghal Maltin” cajta sant.

Ir-rugby league ha taghmel l-introduzzjoni tahha man-nies maltin fil-gimgha maghdwar it-22 ta’ Ottubru, meta l-Malta Knights jilghabu kontra l-England Lionhearts l-istadium tal-Marsa f’Malta, storicament l-ewwel loghba tar-rugby league fuq dan il-pajjiz ta’ populazzjoni ta’ inqas minn erbgha mitt elf ruh.

Izommu players ta’ ex-NRL statut kif ukoll stillel emergenti tar-rugby league, l-espedizjoni fuq l-isoli ta’ Malta tinkludi hafna publicita fuq diversi medium ta’ komunikazzjoni kif ukoll kowcing klinik l-erbgha u tibqa sejra sat-22 ta’ Ottubru loghba b’Sevens competitzjoni fil-positzjoni.

L-MRLA iltaqu ukoll ma’ l-Australian High Commissioner lil Malta, HE Richard Palk li provda assistenza kbira biex jissiguraw l-istadium tal-Marsa, maghrufa ukoll bhala il-Matthew Micallef St John Athletic Stadium ghall-ewwel loghba storika tar-rugby league bejn Malta u l-Ingilterra.

Australia high commissioner f’Malta, Palk huwa ukoll jaghticipa l-wasla tar-rugby league.

Ic- chairman ta’ l-MRLA Michael Borg ha l-opportunita li jiltaqa ma certi dignita li qed jirraprezentu il-kap tal-MLP Dr Alfred Sant, id-deputat tal-MLP Dr Michael Falzon u HE Richard Palk bit-trademark flokk tal-Malta rugby league.

Related websites:
www.malteserugbyleague.com
www.mlp.org.mt

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Re: Malta Vs England in Malta

Good news, i hope they put on a great show for the people.
RL is starting to get somewhere, things are looking up.

Hopefully they can get some coverage of the SL, that would help out heaps, West Indies will be getting SL and this will help RL straight away.
Or better still, give Malta the NRL coverage

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: Malta Vs England in Malta

Boost for Maltese rugby league
Tue Aug 30, 10:39pm (NSW)
Written by: Anthony Micallef (English) & Andrew Zammit-Manduca (Maltese)
Malta’s rugby league efforts have been boosted by generosity and support as DOM International renews a sponsorship deal that will see them through to the completion of 2006 and Maltagenealogy.com accepts a front of jersey rights deal for the upcoming historic first rugby league match in Malta.

DOM International; a freight and logistics company with offices in Malta and Australia extended their initial back of jersey rights following the original take up of the offer last August.

The Maltese Rugby League Association is confident that the deal will see DOM International as well as Maltagenealogy.com and Maltese rugby league through a number of progressions.

Terms of the latest sponsorship deal will see DOM International hold back-of-jersey rights to the Malta national team jersey for international and sevens matches outside of Malta as well as back of jersey rights to the national team jersey for Malta’s fixture against England in Malta in October.

The MRLA are currently in negotiations in having the Malta v England international aired on a major network on Malta’s free to air television that would in turn be a major incentive to the sponsor’s alignment with Malta’s national rugby league team.

Maltagenealogy.com’s Charles Said-Vassallo is looking forward to his partnership and support of Maltese rugby league.

“Very much so looking forward to this partnership. It’s a big step for Maltagenealogy.com”

“The sole benefit (for Maltagenealogy.com) is gaining a wider audience in Malta and other countries to my research” explains Said-Vassallo.

“(the) MRLA’s audience are the young and the older Maltese. This certainly helps to tap into all ages. Though the links are another aspect of Malta, heritage and genealogical research of the Maltese nobility and those of a landed past in Malta. Providing a certain niche to those to start looking at their past and glorification of their Maltese origins”

MRLA vice-president David Axisa concluded the announcement, in announcing “I'm very excited at the fact that we've secured two Maltese linked sponsors for the first game ever on the Islands of Malta. Our Committee is a very dedicated group of individuals & it's fantastic to see that the Maltese business community has entrusted their faith in our association at such an infant stage of our development”

www.malteserugbyleague.com
____________________________________________________________________________________

SPINTA GHAR-RUGBY LEAGUE MALTI (Malti)
It-Tnejn 29 ta’ Awissu 2005
Minnn Andrew Zammit Manduca

L-isforzi ta’ Malta fir-rugby league telghu bil-generosita u s-support kif DOM International geddew l-isponsorship li ha tarahom ghedjjin sa l-2006 u Maltagenealogy.com accettaw quddiem tal-flokk ghal-loghba storika tar-rugby league li ser tintlghab f’Malta.

DOM International; li huma cumpanija ta’ freight u logistici b’officini f’Malta u l-Awstralja estendew il-wara tal- flokk mill-offerta li hadu f’Awissu li ghadda.

I-assoccjatzjoni tal- Maltese Rugby League huwa cunfidenti li id-deal ha tara DOM International kif ukoll Maltagenealogy.com u l-Maltese rugby league min numru ta tibdiliet il-quddiem.

Termini ta’ l-ahhar sponsorship ha tara lil DOM International izzomm il-wara tal- flokk tat-tim nazzjonali ta’ Malta ghal-loghbiet internazjonali u tas-sevens barra min Malta kif ukoll wara tal flokk ghat-tim nazzjonali ghal-loghba ta Malta kontra l-Ingilterra f’Malta f’Ottubru.

L-MRLA bhalissa huma fi negozzjati biex il-loghba Malta Vs l-Ingiltera tintwera fuq stazzjonijiet tat-televisions kbar f’Malta lit kun incentive kbira ghal-isponsors bit-tim nazzjonali Malti tar-rugby league.

Charles Said-Vassallo ta’ Maltagenealogy.com huwa herqan ghal-partnership u support tal-Maltese rugby league.

“Vera herqan ghal dan il-partnership. Huwa avvanzament kbir ghal-Maltagenealogy.com”

“L-uniku beneficcu (ghal-Maltagenealogy.com) huw li jigwadanjaw udjenza ikbar f’Malta u pajjizi ohra skont ir-ricerka tieghi” spjega Said-Vassallo.

“(l-udjenza) ta’ l-MRLA huma il-Maltin iz-zghar u l-kbar. Dan certament jghin biex jigbor nies ta’ kull eta’. Avvolja l- links huma asspett iehor ta’ Malta, ricerka fuq il-wirt kulturali u geneologicali tan-nobilta tal-Maltin u dawk ta’ passat f’Malta. Jipprovdi post ghal-kullhadd biex iharsu lura fil-passat u l-glorja ta’ l-orgini Malti l-ghandom”

Il- vice-president ta’ l-MRLA David Axisa concluda l-annucament, billi annunca “Jiena vera ecitat ghal-fatt li sikuranja zewgt sponsors linkjati ma Malta ghal-ewwel loghba li ser issir fuq il-gzejjer Maltin. Il-cumitat taghna huwa grupp ta indiviwi dedicate u huwa fantastiku biex tara l-komunita tan-negozju f’Malta javdaw il-fedelta fl-assoccjazjoni taghna f’stadju zghir ta’ l-isvilupp taghna”

www.malteserugbyleague.com

 

[copa]

List of International Rugby League Trophies

http://www.kangarooarmy.com/trophies.php

Good list this one. Includes pictures also.

Sadly... I've never heard of some of them before seeing this list.

Are there any others?

 

[littleduck]

Re: List of International Rugby League Trophies

Hint: assume ppl are lazy and cant be rooted clicking on the link

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Re: List of International Rugby League Trophies

Thats a great site, I wish had known of it earlier. Im signing up as a member now

 

[copa]

Re: List of International Rugby League Trophies

Hint: assume ppl are lazy and cant be rooted clicking on the link

Well don't click on the link then.... I couldn't be ar$ed posting all the great photographs of the various trophies here.

 

[I_LUV_AFL]

Wales Vs England @ Brewery Field, Wales

Wales v England on Sunday 11 September
Tue Sep 06, 9:16pm (Wales)
Written by: Ian Golden
Sunday 11 September 2005
Parkhouse Recruitment Rugby League Conference Home Nations Championship
Wales v England (Brewery Field, Celtic Crusaders RLC, Bridgend) - kick-off 2.30pm


Wales v England by Ian Golden.

Despite Wales almost certain of winning the Parkhouse Recruitment Conference Home Nations Championship for the fourth year in a row, there's still a lot at stake when they face England at the Brewery Field on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm).

With Celtic Crusaders RLC opening for business in National League Two in 2006, the club are using this match as a source for contracting players.

"There are some players that I'd be very confident will compete in LHF League Two quite comfortably," said Welsh Development Officer Wayne Williams. "We'll be at full strength against England and this will give us a good indication of where we are player-wise.

"We need to produce Rugby League players rather than converts. There are a lot of players in Wales who love to play Rugby League but don't want to leave their families and friends by travelling north. Hopefully the introduction of the Crusaders will attract those players."

Wales v England has been the decider for the Home Nations Championship for the last three years but this year, after defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England sit at the bottom of the table with no hope of winning the title and needing a win by two points or more to avoid picking up the wooden spoon.

Wales have virtually sewn up the 2005 Championship. With wins over their aforementioned Celtic rivals already in the bag, their superior points difference over Scotland means that they need to avoid a 104 point defeat in order to win their fourth successive title.

So more than anything else for England, it’s a pride issue. England have never beaten Wales in this competition and Wales will certainly be determined for it to stay that way while England don’t want be humiliated by finishing bottom for the very first time.

Wales have named a 25-man squad that will be reduced to 17 on the day. This includes four potential new caps - Dai Davis and Chris Williams from Torfaen Tigers and Karl Thomas and Adrian Owen from Valley Cougars - all of whom played well on the Welsh Cup Finals day as well as for the Presidents XIII against Lebanon two weeks ago.

An exhibition match between two of the many Rugby League-playing schools in Bridgend will open the afternoon's entertainment, kicking off at 1pm. Also, after a delivery of over 1,000 pieces of Celtic Crusaders leisurewear on Tuesday, the new Crusaders shop will be open on Sunday for the very first time.

There’s just one more match this year at the Brewery Field before we prepare for professional club rugby league to return to the principality for the first time in ten years. Make sure you’re here on October 16 for a full international between Wales and Scotland, a match that could be the last appearance in a Welsh shirt for Hefin O’Hare before he makes his transfer over to Scottish RU side, Glasgow Warriors.

WALES SQUAD (from)
Neil Dixon (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Damien Smith (Torfaen Tigers)
Grant Epton (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Gareth Holtham (Cardiff Demons)
Sean O'Brien (Aberavon Fighting Irish)
Darren Ryan (Aberavon Fighting Irish)
Owen Jones (Newport Titans)
Gareth Jones (Cardiff Demons)
Nathan Strong (Bridgend Blue Bulls - capt)
Lloyd O'Connor (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Steve Mayley (Torfaen Tigers)
Karl Hocking (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Damien Hudd (Torfaen Tigers)
Marcus Sainsbury (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Gareth David (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Jason Hill (Torfaen Tigers)
Mark Wheeler (Newport Titans)
Jim Barnes (Royal Navy)
Carl Ellis (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
John Purnel (Bridgend Blue Bulls)
Neil Davis (Aberavon Fighting Irish)
Dai Davis (Torfaen Tigers)
Karl Thomas (Valley Cougars)
Chris Williams (Torfaen Tigers)
Adrian Owen (Valley Cougars)

Coach: Kevin Weaver

ENGLAND TEAM
1-Richard Whitehouse - Telford
2-Dave West - Ipswich
3-Karl Wesley - Leicester
4-Thomas Sibley - Blackpool
5-Ryan Knights - Blackpool
6-Daryl Lacey - Liverpool
7-Paul Lord - Blackpool
8-Harry Heasman - St Ives
9-Chris Spiers - Blackpool
10-Dan Reeds - Lincoln
11-John Stabler - Greenwich
12-Carl Leach - Widnes Saints
13-Anthony Wraith - Bolton
14-John Dudley - Nottingham
15-Kieran Lacey - Liverpool
16-Richard Lofthouse - Blackpool
17-Mark Roach - Thorne

 

[copa]

Re: Wales Vs England @ Brewery Field, Wales

From where do they select the players? Those teams obviously are not first teams.

 

[celtic_pride]

Re: Wales Vs England @ Brewery Field, Wales

Wales are rubbish

 

[MACDAICOS]

Re: Wales Vs England @ Brewery Field, Wales

Wales are rubbish

Still on the bullocks are we.....................

 

[ParraEelsNRL]

Re: List of International Rugby League Trophies

http://www.kangarooarmy.com/trophies.php

Good list this one. Includes pictures also.

Sadly... I've never heard of some of them before seeing this list.

Are there any others?

Not bad that site, is DieH running it?

Some of those trophies look nice, pity we don't play for them as much as we should.