International RL Blog

Norway hold on to record historic win in Czech Republic

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...

Chile will host the inaugural Latin American Rugby League Championships in Los Angeles, Chile, on November 17-18 2017. Argentina, Mexico and Colombia the other teams taking part.

El Salvador registered an historic first win in international RL against Latin American opponents Uruguay. On Saturday 1/10/17, in fine but blustery conditions in Sydney, El Salvador fought hard for a resounding but unexpected 46-10 victory. The big win has immense significance for El Salvador, a nation of just 6.5 million people which has fared poorly for decades in football and Rugby Union. The Trueno Azul (Blue Thunder) were coming off a 32-12 loss to Thailand and a 58-20 loss to Chile in their only previous International RL appearances. But after devoting themselves to a three-month preparation before the Uruguay game, the Salvadorenos reaped the rewards of hard work in a clash that was expected to be tight and go either way. Making the win ever more meritorious, El Salvador played most of the game with just two interchanges, after one player fell gravely ill hours beforehand and another suffered a serious shoulder injury in the first half. Gold Coast-based fullback Anth...

Chile looked set for a second win in International Rugby League and a first against a non-Latin American a opponent as the Weichafes led Thailand 20-8 with less than 25 minutes to play. Unfortunately, Thailand centre Suhttirak Choengkhiri had other ideas and scored a match-turning try with only two minutes left on the clock. Thai fullback Matthew Waugh had a chance to steal the result with a conversion from out wide but the kick pulled up short very windy conditions and the two nations were left level. The game was played on 1/10/17 in Liverpool, West Sydney and Chilean five-eighth Nick Doberer received the Coach’s Player Award. He left soon after and rushed to the hospital where he welcomed the birth of his first child a few hours later. Chile fielded arguably their strongest side to date but were still without approximately ten top class rugby league players identified with Chilean heritage. The Chilenos are very optimistic and will host the inaugural Latin American Rugby Le...