International RL Blog

03/09/16     Palazzolo Sull’Oglio, Brescia Captain Casey Dunne scored a hat-trick as the Irish Wolfhounds kicked off the International RL season with an 11-try victory in Brescia. The team of Irish-based players finished strongly in an entertaining match which, despite the final scoreline, was competitive for more than an hour and provided a great work out for the Wolfhounds. I t was only when they scored three times in the final 10 minutes that Ireland ran away with it. It means the Wolfhounds continue their unbeaten streak from last season and will head into home international matches against Malta (October 8th) and Jamaica (October 15th) in Bray next month full of confidence. Several players will be keen to continue their fine form from this match to press for inclusion in the full squad, which includes overseas-based players, for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Russia, also next month. With ideal, balmy conditions and a large and vocal crowd, ...

Ireland  kick off their international rugby league season this weekend when they take on  Italy  in Brescia. The match will provide leading home-based players with an opportunity to show they are worth a place in the squad for the vital  World Cup  qualifiers next month. All but one of the 18-man squad selected by coach Carl du Chenu took part in last month’s State of Origin series, in which the Northern  Ireland  Elks defeated the Republic of  Ireland  Eagles for the first time. The selection signals a move by coaches towards picking more home-based players for the  Ireland  team in order to grow rugby league throughout the island. The players will be fighting for inclusion in next month’s home international friendlies against Malta and Jamaica in Bray, and  World Cup  qualifiers away to Spain and at home to Russia, when more established internationals who play abroad will also be involved. Coach Carl du Chenu said: Afte...