Well known Rugby Union player, Jannie Pretorius joined South African Rugby League on 29 October 2008 and will immediately engage as Coach for the newly formed Regional Province of South Rand and the Southern part of Johannesburg.
The Province will be known as the Cento Mustangs.
Jannie played 138 Provincial matches for the then Transvaal and Eastern Transvaal in his Rugby Union career and also played for 3 years in Italy and Argentina.
His career highlights in Rugby union was representing SA BARBARIANS,SA COUNTRY DISTRICTS and THE REST OF SA.

Jannie played Rugby League for Warrington in the late eighties and he is keen to help building Rugby League into a force in South Africa.

Wild as it may sound – the Central Free State Rugby League Province – The Free State Wild Cats - will be 76 days(2.5 months)in existence on 31 October 2008.
Rugby League has taken this Province – Capital Bloemfontein – by storm.

The game of Rugby League suits the Free Stater’s like a glove – Play the ball, run the ball, let the ball do the work – a tradition of Free State Rugby –League or Union.

Way back in 1962 Bloemfontein had a taste of Rugby League when the Bloemfontein Aquilas existed –short lived but they boasted names like Oupa Coetzer (also played for Wigan),the late Hannes Heiberg and others. All pioneers to be honoured by South African Rugby League.
Out of the ashes of history raised the Aquilas and two more clubs viz. the Bravehearts and the Titans were formed in a matter of one week.

The person responsible for all of this is the Wild Cats Provincial Chairman John Gibson – dynamic in outlook and an asset to South African Rugby League.
John Gibson became a full Board Member of South African Rugby League on Saturday 25 August 2008.

Congratulations to John Gibson and The Free State Wild Cats.

The 2008/9 Provincial season kicked off at Bosman Stadium ,Brakpan on Saturday 25/10/2008.
Most of the Rhino players that toured England played for their Provinces. The injured players should be back in action soon.
Overall good play in the tournament .

Results :
Tom van vollenhoven Cup
Tries scored in brackets.

Northern Bulls 58 (11) vs Goldfield Phantoms 14(3)
Players of the match: Shaun Bouwer(NB) and Morne Claasen(GP)

Free State Wild Cats 48(9) vs Vaal Buffaloes 32(7)
Players of the match: Christiaan Grobler(FSWC) and Sargeant Govuzela(VB)

Eastern Eagles (38(8) vs Mpumalanga Panthers 26(5)
Players of the match: Brandon Gibson(EE) and Morne Verwey(MP)

Johan Roodt Cup

Northern Bulls B 66(11) vs.Goldfield Phantoms B 34(6)
Players of the match: Gert van Dyk(NB) and JP Gouws(GP)

Free State Wild Cats B (48(8) vs Vaal Buffaloes B 4(1)
Players of the match: Mokoa Bolofo(FSWC) and Zack Raaden(VB)

Eastern Eagles B 26(4) vs Mpumalanga Panthers B 20(4)
Players of the match: Johnny Pretorius(EE) and Nico Potgieter(MP)

Gerry Gendall Cup (Junior Provincial competition)

Northern Bulls Jnr. 30(7) vs Goldfield Phantoms Jnr. 10(2)
Players of the match: JB Gouws(GP) Herman Fouche(NB)

Mpumalanga Panthers Jnr. 46(8) vs Eastern Eagles Jnr.38(7)
Players of the Match: Sizo Maseko(MP) and Dirkie Fourie(EE)

Dave van Reenen Cup(Development Provincial Competition)

No matches played.

NEXT PROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT SATURDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2008 AT VIRGINIA (FREE STATE)

RHINOS ROUTED BY BARLA GREAT BRITAIN
BARLA Great Britain 74
South Africa Rhinos 4
Craven Park
HULL KR RLFC

BARLA Great Britain put on a wonderful display of running rugby with a record 74-4 victory over a gallant and brave South Africa Rhinos at Craven Park the home of Hull KR RLFC Despite conceding thirteen tries gave it their all and can return home with heads held high and continue to develop their game.

This was perfectly illustrated when trailing by that score, second row forward Jago Pretorius put in a magnificent try saving tackle in the corner to prevent BARLA winger Chris Walker (Oulton Raiders) going in for his fifth try after scoring a first half quadruple.

BARLA with Walkers first half efforts and the first of a brace from second row forward Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers) led 28-4 at the break. The side showed their ‘professionalism’ scoring a further 46 unanswered points as the Rhinos were put to the sword.

The Rhinos though who played in the last World Cup in 2000 will learn from this and given that this months competition is expected to make a large profit one would think that an injection of funding will help to continue to develop the game in South Africa, which boasts 30 clubs and six provincincial sides. Over to you Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

BARLA took the lead after three minutes after both sides had completed their opening sets and on the back of two quick fire penalties attacked the Rhinos line. The Rhinos held out but as they tried to clear their own lines winger Walker intercepted a Morne Claassen pass on the second tackle 20 metres out to go under the posts. Loose forward Lee Waterman added the extras for the first of 22pts with eleven from thirteen conversions.

The Rhinos though hit back five minutes later following back to back penalties against BARLA. From the play the ball scrum half Hennie Rademeyer ran across the face of the BARLA line before passing outside to centre Dirkie Fourie who sped through the gap to score in the corner despite the efforts of Walker and Andy Dobson (Thatto Heath Crusaders). Claassen couldn’t add the extras.

The Rhinos confidence grew and they started throwing the ball about looking dangerous, but at times in impossible situations when with experience ball retention would have been the better option. BARLA also had their chances and should have increased the lead on 14 minutes but Simons Stevens (Leigh East) knocked on with the line beckoning.

But seven minutes later the try did come when the ball went down the line with quick hands and Dobson put the final pass out to Walker to score in the corner and there was a converted try between the teams.

On 27 minutes following referee Craig Halloran warning both skippers about infringements at the play the ball BARLA were down to twelve as Gary Weymes was given ten minutes.

This seemed spur BARLA on and they scored three converted tries in the last ten minutes of the half which were somewhat gifted to them by the Rhinos. On 30 minutes they put an unnecessary chip over in their own half which saw the home side counter attack on the short side. Craig Wilson (Millom) drew the cover before passing for Varley to go under the posts.

Five minutes later following another penalty Walker completed his hat-trick in the corner and in the last minute the Rhinos trying to attack and keeping the ball alive saw it go to ground forty metres out and Walker sped away to complete his quartet.

The Rhinos got off to the worst possible start in the second half as they conceded a further three tries in the opening nine minutes. Within a minute Varley, who was the pick of the forwards especially in the second half drove through the Rhinos defence before passing to Wilson to go under the ‘H’s.

From the restart BARLA scored again this time with superb running and handling which saw Richard George (Seaton Rangers) score the first of his brace. The Rhinos couldn’t get any ball and were desperately defending but thought they had some respite on 49 minutes when awarded a penalty but they failed to find touch and immediately conceded one in frustration. From the tap Stevens powered his way over and BARLA led 46-4.

From the restart Lee Maskill thought he brought up the fifty but the try was disallowed for a forward pass but that magic figure was reached on 54 minutes when winger Carl Booth got on the end of a magic grubber to the corner from Lee Gudor (Siddal).

Try number ten came a minute later the ball going down the line and Walker hacking on towards the tryline. Bothe he and the chasing Rhinos overran the ball which was picked up by Ryan Fieldhouse who trotted in unopposed and the conversion made it 58-4.

BARLA scored a further three tries with George scoring his second following another superb bust through the Rhinos defence by Varley. Weymes scooted in from the play the ball and from the restart Varley blasted through the Rhinos before offloading to Danny Ulyatt for the final score.

During this period the Rhinos were literally starved of possession but when they gained possession they continually lost the ball on the opening tackle indeed there best effort was holding the ball for three drives before devastating hits by BARLA or throwing out loose or wild passes. This was also illustrated when after a bout of pressure the Rhinos kicked from a scrum on their own twenty metre line and was collected by BARLA forty metres out.

But the Rhinos pride and tiring defence held out for the rest of the game which showed on the tackle on Walker five minutes from time.

A healthy four figure crowd was in attendance at Craven Park and after the game both squads were presented with medals from Hull legends Colin Hutton and John Whiteley which included man of the match awards to BARLA’s Ryan Fieldhouse and the Rhinos scrum half Hennie Rademeyer.

BARLA Great Britain

1.Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East), 2. Carl Booth (Myton Warriors), Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 4. Andy Dobson (Thatto Heath Crusaders), 5. Chris Walker (Oulton Raiders), 6. John McMullen (Capt) (Wigan St Judes), 7. Lee Gudor (Siddal), 8. Martin Riley (Wigan St Judes), 9. Gary Weymes (East Hull), 10. Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), 11. Simon Stevens (Leigh East, 12. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers). 13. Lee Waterman (Skirlaugh), 14. Danny Ulyatt (Hull Dockers), 15. Craig Wilson (Millom), 16. Richard George (Seaton Rangers), 17. Dean Balmer (Leigh Miners Rangers), 18. Scott Lofthouse (Kells), 19. Lee Fewlass (Myton Warriors)

South Africa Rhinos
1.Reoalle Strijdom, 2. Andre Olwagon, 3. Dirkie Fourie, 4. Morne Claassen, 5. Johan Fritz, 6. Heinrich Rademeyer, 7. Hennie Rademeyer, 8. Wouter De Jager, 9. Andre Loader, 10. Charl Van Der Merwe, 11. Dolf Nel, 12. Jago Pretorius, 13. Andrew Van Loggerberg, 14. Rian Botha, 15. Jonathon Soares, 16. Jacques Groblar, 17. Isak Laubscher.

Referee; Craig Halloran (Dewsbury)

JOHN MCMULLEN NAMED AS CAPTAIN FOR BARLA GREAT BRITAIN FOR RHINOS CLASH
BARLA Great Britain Head Coach John Fieldhouse has named his captain and
his side to face the South Africa Rhinos in tonight's (Friday 17th
October) Test match at Craven Park the home of Hull KR RLFC kick off
7.30pm.

Stand- Off John McMullen of Wigan St Judes ARLFC who as in the Lions squad
that toured South Africa last year playing in all the Test Matches has
been named as captain of his country and both the coach and player are
happy and delighted with the selection and that of the squad.
Head Coach John Fieldhouse said,

"I have picked an exciting young mobile squad to face the Rhinos and do
the job that is required of them and if they stick to the game plan we
will come away with the win. The expectancy is that we will win but it is
how we go about that job
"John McMullen epitomizes what playing international rugby is all about,
he loves playing for his country and I had no hesitation in naming as the
captain of the side. He is a good talker and influence in the dressing
room and will be involved in pulling the string with the forwards and
backs."

John McMullen,

"I am over the moon being appointed as captain of my country and to lead
them out against the South Africa Rhinos at Hull KR tonight. It beats the
accolade of playing for my country which I love doing and wearing the
Great Britain shirt.

"I went over to South Africa last year and we won the Test Series and we
will be favourites to win the game on Friday evening. Although they have
lost their three County games we know that they will have a tough physical
pack which will not take a backyard step. They have been together now for
the last two weeks and we know that they have an exciting back line if
they can get the out. That battle has to be won first for the backs to do
the job and what people must remember is that there are only four players
in tonight's side that toured last such is the evolution of this side.

"I am looking forward to the National Anthem and the battle ahead and hope
our supporters get to the game and give us vocal backing."

The Team:
1.Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East), 2. Carl Booth (Myton Warriors), Lee
Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 4. Andy Dobson (Thatto Heath Crusaders), 5.
Chris Walker (Oulton Raiders), 6. John McMullen (Capt) (Wigan St Judes),
7. Lee Gudor (Siddal), 8. Martin Riley (Wigan St Judes), 9. Gary Weymes
(East Hull), 10. Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), 11. Simon Stevens (Leigh
East, 12. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers). 13. Lee Waterman (Skirlaugh),
14. Danny Ulyatt (Hull Dockers), 15. Craig Wilson (Millom), 16. Richard
George (Seaton Rangers), 17. Dean Balmer (Leigh Miners Rangers), 18. Scott
Lofthouse (Kells), 19. Lee Fewlass (Myton Warriors)

Summer finally arrived at the Tetley’s Stadium the home of Dewsbury Rams RLFC today as the BARLA Yorkshire County side gave the South Africa Rhinos a warm welcome in their third game of the tour defeating them 66-6. It was a devilish display from one to seventeen as the ‘White Rose’ scored twelve tries and a perfect way for Head Coach Alf Hill to begin his tenth season in charge of the side.

After conceding a 58 second try the Rhinos leveled up the game after four minutes but them proceeded to leak a further six tries as Yorkshire scored at a point a minute in the first half to lead 40-6.

A better defensive performance by the Rhinos in the second half saw them concede only 26 points but they were unable to register further points themselves through superb defence.

In a great all-round performance by Yorkshire scrum half Carl Puckering
(Skirlaugh) pulled all the strings although he didn’t score a try, together with half back partner Andy Kay (Hull Isberg). In forwards skipper Tom Hill (York Acorn) led the way setting the example with some awesome drives and hits. There were hat-tricks for full back James Craven (Thornhill Trojans), Leigh Rientoul (York Acorn), a brace from Paul Brown (Shaw Cross Sharks).

The Rhinos never let their heads drop throughout the eighty minutes as at times they were chasing shadows and were held on the Yorkshire line on a number of occasions which included their star man hooker Andre Loader who later switched to scrum half following an injury to Heinrich Rademeyer who had his father Hennie as his half back partner at kick off. Loader ran himself into the ground with his passing, breaks and superb tackling technique as the rampaging Yorkshire forwards ran at him because of his stature.

Yorkshire got off to a sensational start on their first attack when from the play the ball Puckering past inside to centre Jackie Hogan (Stanley
Rangers) to score to the left of the posts. Fellow centre Ashley James (Myton Warriors) added the first of his nine conversions from twelve to make it 6-0.

But the Rhinos hit back on four minutes after forcing Yorkshire to drop out and superb handling skills saw centre Morne Claasson drive over and add the extras himself.

From the restart Hill put in a monster hit on Rhinos prop Rianna Botha and the impact saw the ball dislodged. Following the scrum restart Yorkshire’s Craven wriggled over from the play the ball on the second tackle and Yorkshire doubled their score on six minutes.

Seven minutes later Loader thought he had scored his side’s second try but it was chalked off even though they were awarded a scrum on the ten metre line and then lost the ball in the next set.

Like all good sides Yorkshire hit back with two tries in a four minute spell. On 15 minutes Puckering put in a superb grubber which popped nicely for Craven to score his second and following a penalty for punching prop Matty Myers drove over from the tap to make it 22-6.

Starved of possession through mistakes and naïve penalties the Rhinos saw Brown scoot over on 26 minutes and five minutes later Rientoul took Hogan’s pass for the first of his three.

In between tries the Rhinos were close once again this time Wouter De Jager over ran Hennie Redemeyer’s pass with the line beckoning.

The final Yorkshire try came three minutes from the break set up by superb play by Puckering and Kay, Puckering chipped over the Rhinos defence and Kay followed up by hacking the ball on towards the try line. But superb pressure defending saw Johan Fritz fall on the ball in his own in goal.
From the drop out Brett Waller (Skirlaugh) drove through the defence on the second tackle.

In the opening minute of the second half forward Sam Radford (West Hull) who continually made good yardage should have scored following the combination of Puckering and Kay but he knocked on with the line beckoning.

Yorkshire’s momentum grew and they scored two back to back tries in the 45 and 48 minutes. Radford put a superb offload to Rientoul who found Craven to complete his hat-trick. From the restart Waller made a superb break which was followed on by Adam Walker (Kippax) who passed to Radford who put Brown in for his second. Both conversions made it 52-6 and things looked bleak for the Rhinos.

They held firm and took the game to Yorkshire up to the hour mark and Yorkshires defence held firm on four attacks. Andrew Van Loggenberg had the ball reefed out in the process of touching down; De Jager was held up as was Loader two tackles later and on the hour Botha was stopped short.

One minute later Kay and Puckering’s miss man ball saw Rientoul score his second in the corner on and on 68 minutes winger Mike Johnson (Myton
Warriors) joined the scoring scooting through a tiring defence, the extras making it 62-6.

The final score try came with seven minutes remaining after Waller offloaded to Brown who superb long pass found Rientoul to complete his treble in the corner.

Rhinos pride stopped any further scores and as the hooter ended the contest the large healthy crowd gave them the ovation they deserved against a superb Yorkshire machine.

Yorkshire
1.James Craven (Thornhill Trojans), 2. Mike Johnson (Myton Warriors), 3.
Ashley James (Myton Warriors), 4. Jackie Hogan (Stanley Rangers), 5. Leigh Rientoul (York Acorn), 6. Andy Kay (Hull Isberg), 7. Carl Puckering (Skirlaugh), 8. Matty Myers (Shaw Cross Sharks), 9. Paul Brown V/Capt (Shaw Cross Sharks), 10. Phil Hodgson (Sharlston Rovers), 11. Neil Hutchinson (Castleford Panthers), 12. Sam Radford (West Hull), 13. Tom Hill Capt (York Acorn). Subs; 14. Matthew Steadman (Ackworth), 15. Brett Waller (Skirlaugh), 16. David Burns (York Acorn), 17. Adam Walker (Kippax), 18. John Nunns (Stanley Rangers), 19. Lee Fisher (East Leeds), 20. Omar Mehdi (Hunslet Warriors).

South Africa Rhinos
1. Henry Wiggins, 2. Johan Fritz, 3. Franzois Greyvenstein, 4. Morne Claassen, 5. Andre Olwagen, 6. Hennie Rademeyer, 7. Heinrich Rademeyer, 8.
Rianna Botha, 9. Andre Loader, 10. Charl Van Der Merwe, 11. Wouter De Jager, 12. Andrew Van Loggenberg, 13. Dirke Fourie. Subs 14. Redalle Strijdom, 15. Jonathon Soares, 16. Jaques Grobler, 17. Frans Kellerman.

BARLA PRESS RELEASE

POST MATCH QUOTES

Tony Spence Yorkshire Assistant Coach

“An excellent performance we started well, we did what we had to do in the first half taking the game to them with our forwards laying the platform. We shifted the ball out wide quickly scoring a few tries in the first half.

“James Craven at the back and Leigh Rientoul out on the wing went in for hat-tricks were outstanding, Carl Puckering dictated the first half and we were very happy at the interval.

“The South Africa discipline didn’t help them especially in the first half but I think that’s a learning curve for them, it wasn’t so much ill discipline I think it was a question of know how. The flopping on, lying on to long on the floor the rear markers and things like that were untidy, but I don’t think it was ill discipline thuggery but discipline as inexperience.

“The Rhinos will only learn this by playing games against other international countries and BARLA are at the forefront of the emerging nations and the three counties have put their effort in. It can only help the Rhinos with their progression playing teams like ourselves and then the BARLA Great Britain team on Friday. I think you will see a big improvement on Friday from them as they look as if they are willing to learn, so it all bolds well

“The Rhinos had some giants, heavy lads, some sixteen stone players on the field and it took a big effort from our boys to stop them crossing our line and their last pass that went to ground maybe would have stuck another time and that’s why their score stayed as it was. They didn’t want for trying, they did really well but out line was defence held and I was really pleased with it because I think man for man barring Brett Waller and Neil Hutchinson they were probably two to three stone heavier than us to a man. A massive effort by us on the line.

“We were clinical at times in our scoring especially on counter attack when the Rhinos were on our line and although people may think from the scoreline that they have played together for a long time we haven’t. I think we have only had five players on show who in last seasons Three Counties Championship so we had twelve debutants for Yorkshire and our six training sessions prior to this game have been justified and it looked very, very good.

“The finishing was clinical and I thought Carl Puckering a little general coming in and taking the place of a seasoned number seven James Craven and Andy Kay stood out in a very good team performance.

“This augers well for all the squad with international tours in the offing and for next years Three Counties Championship. I’ve lost it once in five years last year and I want that back desperately so it all bodes well. The lads playing for Great Britain on Friday are still part of this squad so it makes us bigger and stronger than ever. A minority of people don’t like this series in season but forget the clubs. For the lads it’s a chance to progress and win BARLA honours and that’s what it’s all about.”

South Africa Rhinos Tour Manager Nico Pretorius said

“The guys are out on their feet after that game. We started off very well after their early try and following our reply things just fell apart, and Yorkshire were definitely clinical and to quick for us after that.

“Their guys after we had tackled them got up very fast playing the ball quickly, which the previous sides we have played on this have done. For some reason we battled to get off the grass after we had been tackled allowing the opposition to get back in position in defence lines and you can’t play against a fast side and play a fast ball. They moved the ball to the outside big runners breaking our line and putting us on a back foot to concede tries.

“It’s a painful learning curve but our boys will definitely get better and we are travelling to Hull on Tuesday and things have been arranged for during our stay there and I would like to get some of our injured players back for the forthcoming Test match. If we can get them ready I think we have a chance of putting our mistakes to bed.

“Andre Loader was outstanding for us today with everything he did and that’s how he plays and some of the tackling he did was as we do in union.
They get taught that way in childhood and he kept grabbing their players around the ankles and hitting below the knees. We were trying to hit those guys up around the chest but as we saw with BARLA last year your guys have strong upper body strength so we ended up going in high and concede five tries off five poor tackles. Just trying to hit the guy with the shoulder, it’s not efficient.”

The South African Rhinos defeated by Lancashire County on Sunday 5th (55-12) at Leigh East are still the pride of South African Rugby League.
Fact is they were beaten by a better side - no excuses.

It is back to the drawing board for the squad and the next match will prove if anything was learnt from the defeat.

The morale of the team is high and even after defeat the tour is precious to all tour members.

Cumbria County awaits the Rhinos on Wednesday evening and hopefully the pride will be restored.

THE RED ROSE RULES OVER THE RHINOS (from Barla.org.uk)

South Africa were dealt a harsh lesson on the opening match of their 2008 tour as they were heavily beaten by Lancashire at a sundrenched Ledgard Avenue. The Rhinos paid the price for their indiscipline, and simply couldn’t handle the size and power of Lancashire’s robust set of forwards, with Leigh East halfback pairing Ryan Peters and Leon Brennan revelling in the platform laid by their pack.

Indeed had Lancashire had their goalkicking boots it could have been an even heavier defeat for the tourists, with a succession of kickers only mustering three successful conversions between them, the barest of mercies for the South Africans.

The tourists did have some positives to build on, with scrum-half and captain Hendrik Rademeyer at the heart of all their best bits of play, and tireless props Riaan Botha and Charl van der Merwe never taking a backwards step, but these scant foundations for hope will be sorely tested in the coming weeks.

Lancashire opened with intent, Brennan and Liam Phillips opening the defence for Steve Fisher to crash over out wide, but South Africa hit back to take the lead, firstly Jonathan Soares’ terrific break ended by Phillips’ tackle, but with Lancashire conceding possession deep in their own half Rademeyer dived over from acting half, adding the conversion himself.

Another fine Soares break again ended by the impressive Phillips appeared to demonstrate South Africa’s threat, but they were blown away in the second quarter as a string of penalties, and the punishing drives of the Lancashire pack, took their toll.

The Red Rose were back in front when Brennan picked up a pass off his boot-laces and sent Iwan Brown in for a try, then Adam Thomason and Fisher combined to send the Simms Cross second-row in for a quick second try, Peters adding the goal. From a quickly-taken penalty Jamie Peasnall scattered the defence for a try out wide, then a fine passing move saw Thomason involved three times and just having enough pace to ride the despairing ankle tap and stumble over the line. When Peters dived through the tackles to score out wide Lancashire led 26-6.

But South Africa had hope in first half stoppage time when Rademeyer made a scintillating break down the middle and substitute Andre Loader was in support to take the scoring pass, the conversion making the interval score 26-12.

The third quarter was a scrappy affair with penalties and handling errors creeping in, but the Rhinos appeared to have steadied the ship until a spectacular collapse as fatigue set in in the final stages.

Peters adding a cheeky field goal to set the scoreboard in motion again, before Nick Braide dived over out wide. When Rademeyer was sin-binned for a needless late challenge it was an uphill struggle for the twelve men, and Lancashire doubled the punishment with a try from the resultant penalty.

Phillips ghosting past some bemused defenders to score a fine try by the posts, Peters adding the extras.

Four tries in the final ten minutes put Lancashire past the fifty, first when Craig Millington was unstoppable on the charge for another try goaled by Peters, then Brennan dummying and accelerating through the gap from thirty metres for a thoroughly merited try. Peters then sent Brown in for his hat-trick, and in stoppage time Fisher crossed out wide to ice the cake of Lancashire’s first win in over two seasons, and give South Africa coach Drikkies Mulder plenty to ponder ahead of the sterner tests to come.

Lancashire
Liam Phillips, Kevin Murphy, Steve Fisher, Jon Walker, Adam Butterworth, Leon Brennan, Ryan Peters, Gary Shepherd, Ronnie Clegg, David Ashton, Iwan Brown, Nick Braide, Adam Thomason Subs - Tom Dawson, Anthony Braide, Jamie Peasnall, Craig Millington

Tries - Fisher (3,80), Brown (14, 23, 76), Peasnall (26), Thomason (31), Peters (37), N Braide (60), Phillips (64), Millington (70), Brennan (73)
Goals - Peters 3
Field goal - Peters

South Africa
Henri Wiggins, Jonathan Soares, Riaan Englebrecht, Dirk Fourie, Andre Olwagen, Francois Greyvenstein, Hendrik Rademeyer, Riaan Botha, Jacques Grobler, Charl van der Merwe, Wouter de Jager, Rudolf Nel, Izak Laubscher Subs - Andre Loader, Hennie Rademeyer, Frans Kellerman, Frans Groenewald

Tries - Hendrik Rademeyer (9), Loader (40)
Goals - Hendrik Rademeyer 2
Man of the matches
Lancs - Leon Brennan
South Africa - Hendrik Rademeyer

Referee - Paul Marklove

The Rhinos, six weeks in practise already played well and their tries came from splendid handling movements.
Most of the new comers to the Rhino team played well but the International arena will be a different experience for them.

A concern is that the Rhinos faded towards the end of the match allowing the President X111 to score two tries in the last 10 minutes.
A good entertaining match to give the Rhinos the confidence for their tour to England.

SARL player of the match was Sean van Rensburg,Kzn Tiger Sharks and ex Celtic Crusaders player now residing in Durban.

Rhinos points scorers:
Tries- one each by Reinhardt Pretorius, Dirkie Fourie, Riaan Engelbrecht,Heinrich Rademeyer,Riaan Botha,Andrew van Loggerenberg, Andre Loader,Francois Greyvenstein,Jonathan Soares and Andre Olwagen.

Dolf Nel scored 3 tries.

Conversions:8 by Heinrich Rademeyer and 1 by Andre Olwagen.

President X111 points scorers:
Tries by Ryno Steenberg(2)Dean Fenn(1) and Wayne van der westhuizen (1).
Conversions by Ryno Steen berg(2) and JP Pearson(1).

The Regional Provinces are:
Western Warthogs
Western Impalas
Western Wreckers
Western Stars
Western Wild Dogs
Western Force

South African Rugby League hereby express its gratitude to Executive Mayor Cllr.Mapethle

SA PRESIDENTS XIII TO TEST THE RHINOS

The Rhino venue's in England

Sunday 5th October Lancashire Leigh East ARLFC Kick Off 4.00pm
Wednesday 8th October Cumbria Barrow RLFC Kick Off 7.00pm
Sunday 12th October Yorkshire Dewsbury Rams Kick Off 2.30pm RLFC
Friday 17th October BARLA GB Hull KR RLFC Kick Off 7.30pm

And the Rugby League World have taken notice of the Rhinos tour to England!

FOR THE RECORD RUGBY LEAGUE SUCCESFULLY INTRODUCED TO THE CAPE WEST COAST

Rugby League was successfully introduced to the Cape West Coast on Friday 29thFebruary 2008 when the West Coast Raiders Invitation X111 played against the British Light Dragoons Military Club touring side at Saldanha Bay. This was the only Rugby League match they played on their combined Rugby League/Union tour. The West Coast Raiders team ,new to the game of Rugby League, started the game shakily, but after they scored the first try they went from strength to strength to won the match 48-12(8 tries to 2). West Coast Raiders player G Jacobs(no.5) scored the first Rugby League try in history on the Cape West Coast. D.Williams(no.2)added 16 points by converting all the tries scored. West Coast Raiders player A.Botha (no.1) was man of the match. The West Coast Raiders team that played the historical match: 1 A.Botha 2 D.Williams 3 D.de la Guerre 4 C.Linde 5 G.Jacobs 6 K.Williams(Vice Capt.) 7 J .Peens 8 D.Boks 9 D.Visser 10 S.Marthines 11 S.Mostert 12 R.Lindstrom 13 B.van Boven(Captain) 14 D.Joshua 15 D.Williams 16 A.Badenhorst 17 W.Rhoda 18 F.Baadjies Coaching Staff : Randall Julies and Johnathan Barends Team Manager: Koos Strauss Referee: Nico Pretorius (Vice President SARL) South African Rugby League would like to thank Hendrik Snyders(Chairman West Coast Raiders )and his supporting staff which made this memorable occasion part of South African Rugby League history. Also a big thank you to Saldanha Bay Executive Mayor Onél de Beer and his colleagues for a splendid post match function for the teams and other guests. This event was devoted to Green Vigo, a Saldanha Bay resident many years ago who became a world class Rugby League player In England – he played for Wigan, Swinton and Oldham.

Green Vigo in his playing days The victorious West Coast Raiders side and officials – aftermatch photo taken at Saldana Bay on 29 February 2008   Aftermatch photo of the British Light Dragoons Touring side that played against West Coast Raiders South African Rugby League President, Dave van Reenen, presents the Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay Clr. Onel de Beer  with a special SARL 21st  celebration  memento to commemorate the inauguration of Rugby League, on the Cape West Coast at the post match function.     Hendrik Snyders, Chairman of the West Coast Raiders Rugby League Province receives his official South African Rugby League colours from the Dave van Reenen.   Tense moments in the West Coast Raiders cloak room prior to the match against the British Light Dragoons touring side.   Tense moments at the west Coast Raiders Interchange bench during the match.

Rhino's Touring side announced

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY LEAGUE ENGLAND TOUR OCTOBER 2008

(Inauguration Day) 21 JUNE 2008

PHOTO OF RLIF BOARD AGM MEETING ATTENDEES.

The Rugby League International Federation held their Annual General Meeting(AGM) IN Sydney,Australia on

click on poster to enlarge

Thursday 8 May 2008.

South African Rugby League Chairman Dave van Reenen was represented by SARL International Board Member Bill Baguley pictured second from right in the backrow.

South Africa is a full member of the RLIF.

GRAND FINALE TO THE 2007/2008 RUGBY LEAGUE SEASON

The South African Rugby League season ended in style on Saturday 23 February 2008 when The SARL PRESIDENT XIII played against the SARL UNDER 23 XIII in the annual

Fixture at Elspark High School Stadium in Elspark (Gauteng Province).
The SARL Presidents X111 once again proved their experience by defeating the SARL Under 23’s by 56 points to 8.

The curtain raiser was a development match between the Eastern Eagles under 18 side and the Tembisa Trouncers.

History was made in the main match - The following points are noteworthy.

• Five under 18 players who represented their Clubs in the SARL Club competition were elected for the under 23 side – their first representative game ever.
• Ryno “Hond” Steenberg – a Rhino player – played his third consecutive match for the SARL U/23 side since the 2006 inaugural match.He also played for the Under 23 Rhinos against BARLA in June 2007.
• Ryno Steenberg Captained the SARL Under 23 side and he was awarded a SARL U/23 jersey as a gesture of recognition for his input into Rugby League in South Africa.
• The SARL Presidents X111 was Captained by Francois Cloete the Rhino Captain and a Rugby League stalwart since 1995.
• For one player from the Tembisa Trouncers team the day will always bring back happy memories – Mdumiseni Dingiswayo – he played as an unknown in the curtain raiser ,was spotted for his good performance and was drawn into the SARL U/23 side where he also performed well.

It was decided after the match that the exact teams and Management involved in the match will play in the official SARL 2008/9 season opening match – As a token of appreciation SARL will donate the playing jerseys to the players.

Click on gallery for more photos.

PHOTO SARL PRESIDENTS XIII		PHOTO SARL UNDER 23

RLEF confirms the Rhinos Tour abroad

PROUD WINNERS OF THE TOM VAN VOLLENHOVEN CUP -2008

West Coast Rugby league Project Exhibition Match

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY LEAGUE EXPAND THEIR BORDERS

South African Rugby League expanded their borders in January 2008 when the Cape West Coast Rugby League Province was formed. The Provincial side will be known as the WEST COAST RAIDERS and will compete in the development Provinces competition for the Dave van Reenen Cup in the 2008/2009 season. The first introduction of Rugby League to the West Coast Province took place by means of a coaching clinic on 22 January 2008 at Paternoster. Rhino Captain Francois Cloete conducted the clinic and 8 Clubs and 2 Schools attended. The South African Rugby League appointed Hendrik Snyders, residing at Saldanha Bay as the first Chairman for the newly formed Cape West Coast Province. West Coast Raiders will play against the British Army Club –Light Dragoons- to inaugurate Rugby League in the Western Cape ON Friday 29 February 2008.

Rugby League Promotion Day

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY LEAGUE TO HONOUR ALL THEIR PIONEERS

9 Feb Provincial Finals Scores

Northen Bulls win 2008 Tom van Vollenhoven Cup

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	Northen Bulls win 2008 Tom van Vollenhoven Cup

Sad day for S.A Rugby league

After 15 years of Rugby League Rhinos Player Frans Parsons has announced his retirement from the game. We at S.A Rugby league would like to say to Frans that we will miss him and his Fire and love for the game. We also would like to wish him all the best for the future ahead.

ERP Falcons Road to the Rhino Cup National Honours for ERP Falcons!

News from Kempton Wolves after the Finals

Kindly note that the following requirements

The following decision was made by the board off SARL regarding players registration: