International RL Blog

The Czech Republic and Norway have announced their squads to play in Saturday’s international in Krupka, close to the east German border. It will be the third meeting between the nations, with each having won once. Thirteen of Ladislav Cintler’s Czech squad played in the victory against Hungary earlier in the year, Bruno Jasiczek the only debutant this time. Captain Jan Heininger said: “We are really looking forward to testing ourselves once more against Norway. We had a narrow victory over them last year but since then they have won the Nordic Cup and are in good form. We have had a fantastic and long season of rugby league in the Czech Republic this year and we are looking to round it off in style with a win for our home fans.” In a sign of the progress being made in both countries, the combined squads are collectively drawn from 17 clubs, with Vikingene coach Dave Hunter selecting his team from a record 10 sides. Porsgrunn are contributing the largest number, including sole deb...

Two tries in three minutes at the start of the second half saw the Czech R. emerge triumphant, 26-6, against Hungary at the KFKI Sporttelep in Budapest. Centre Martin Košťál and second rower Richard Gach did the damage after the break, the visitors running in five tries in all in the first official Test match between the nations. “The game gave us an excellent opportunity to bring through new players and expose them to a higher standard of rugby league,” said Czech assistant coach Petr Šedina.  “All six debutants have made us proud of their efforts. The Hungarians fought until the end and earned our respect for the way they contested for 80 minutes. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in Budapest and look forward to welcoming them in less than a month.” Winger András Nemes crossed for a late, deserved consolation for the hosts. HRLF official and player Zsolt Luakcs noted: “It was honour to host the Czech Republic on the day of the sixth anniversary of Hungarian Rugby Leag...

Following two victories at the start of 2017, their initial successes in the international arena – beating Uruguay 50-4 and Thailand 44-10 – Hungary rugby league secured the highest rise in the recently published Rugby League International Federation World Rankings, moving up five places to 33rd. It comes as the result of a chance coming together in late 2015, which has seen rugby league begin to blossom under the Magyars banner. Michael Hay began working with the Hungarian Rugby League Federation after finishing his playing career in France, where he’d met a Hungarian and moved to her home country to get married. Since then he has coached the Magyar Bulls national team and improved league knowledge and skills in domestic players. Around the same time, Stephen Nemeth, a Hungarian citizen born in Australia, contacted the HRLF through Facebook. He had been living in Budapest for five months, grown up playing rugby league in Australia and, as it turned out, he and Hay played agains...

The weekend of the 24-25 September is set to be the most prolific in the history of the Rugby League European Federation. Five internationals across three age groups and two continents under the RLEF’s jurisdiction are scheduled, with matches taking place in Spain, Czech Republic, Serbia, Canada and Scotland. “This year has continued the trend that has seen RLEF members strengthening their cooperation with one another and seeking opportunities to engage in more competition,”   said RLEF general manager Danny Kazandjian.  “There have been a number of historic firsts, especially at youth level, which is an encouraging sign that the sport is establishing itself in a number of different nations. “More home-grown young players are demanding more rugby league and in increasing numbers our members, by working with neighbours and trusted partners, are able to satisfy that demand.” In recent weeks, Ireland has played their first match at U16 level and Jamaica hosted Canada...

Nordic Cup winners Norway will travel to the Czech Republic later this month, the fixture being held at RLC Dragons Krupka Stadium on 24 September (kick off 4pm). They last met three years ago as part of the European Bowl, the Norwegians winning 26-14 in Oslo. “We are very happy for every opportunity to play an international game as it helps us to promote our sport here in the Czech Republic,” said CZRLA president Jaroslav Bzoch.   “We have every respect for the Norwegians and what they have already achieved this year. We also want to take this opportunity to test our young and new players before our rematch against Ukraine in October.” Norwegian team manager Anne Haigh commented: “After couple of years only playing against Denmark and Sweden in Nordic Cup, we feel this will be a significant test and step up to assess how we are progressing.”

UKRAINE 46-6   CZECH R.     Rivne  Ukraine defeated Czech Republic 46-6 in front of a crowd approaching 1500 in the first leg of European Championship C. Ukraine made a great start scoring three times in the first thirteen minutes with centre, Shalaiev their star player scoring two tries in each half.  The Czech Republic team took time to acclimatise in hot conditions after a long journey but they responded well and narrowed the gap to six points before Khrusiuk and Troiyan crossed for a 24-6 half time lead. The Czech defence held firm for the next twenty four minutes and they conceded possession four times when threatening the Ukraine line. They also lost the services of Valenta and Sluka to injury and Ukraine began to take advantage.  Shakura scored a try to add to his five goals and Skorbackh, whose midfield creative play was vital, completed the scoring. Ukraine RL president Artur Martyrosyan said. “ It was fantastically organised with the club...

European Championship C will begin in Rivne, Ukraine next weekend when the hosts meet the Czech Republic.  The return match will be in Havlickuv Brod in October. Ukraine were relegated from Euro B last season. EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP C 25/6/16     Ukraine vs Czech R.     Rivne, Ukraine 8/10/16     Czech R. vs Ukraine     Havlickuv Brod, Czech R.

12/7/14     Czech Republic 8  Malta 34          Havlickuv Brod      A crowd of more than three hundred witnessed Malta beating the Czech Republic and  a  hat trick from full back Andrew Muscat was the highlight. Malta produced their second win from two games in European Championship Group C at Tis RL Field, Havlickuv Brod. CLICK HERE for more info