​Turkish Rugby League Association president Gurol Yildiz has been elected to the board of European Rugby League by the members. Yildiz, 52, takes his place with immediate effect and will carry out his duties alongside his role at the TRLA which he has held since 2018, having been involved in that organisation since 2016. 

Born in Turkey, Yildiz and his parents emigrated to Australia when he was six months old but he returned to the country aged 27. He has overseen the growth of the Turkey’s domestic competition which now includes eight men’s teams, four women’s teams and four U18s male sides, as well increasing Turkey’s presence internationally with their men’s and women’s teams ranked 19th and 10th in the world respectively. 

“I’m extremely pleased and overwhelmed with the vote of confidence I received for the position of member-elected director,” commented Yildiz. “I’m looking forward to working together with the other members to build this wonderful sport. We are at an unparalleled period in rugby league, with back-to-back World Cups on the continent over the space of three years, which gives us tremendous potential to work with.”

The position became available following European Rugby League’s governance review and the subsequent decision to increase the size of the board, ratified by the members at the AGM in November 2021. 

Alongside, ERL is currently appointing two new independent directors, one of whom will become the organisation’s chair which will eventually see the board size rise to nine, four of them being independent, three who are elected directly by the membership, plus founding members France and England appointing a director each. 

ERL interim chair, Graeme Thompson, said: “The ERL board gives a warm welcome to Gurol. He has been a key driver for the development of the sport in Turkey for which he is much respected. Member-elected directors bring great practical knowledge, insight and inspiration about developing rugby league and Gurol is keen to provide his experience for the greater good of our organization and members. We all look forward to his first board meeting with us."

The Wolverines sets the tone for the penultimate half of the 2021/22 season by grabbing a hard-fought victory from the Silverback in their first outing of the year. This brought them level with the Tomahawks on the log. They, however, are fortunate to have one game in hand. Facing a determined Silverbacks side who were eager to restore lost pride, the wolf pack were pushed until the final whistle. Hunting as a unit and weathering the relentless onslaught of the Mighty Silver Ones, victory was always in the balance. But six tries ensure them a 26-20 victory in which T.K. Kopelo was particularly prominent as the scorer of a double-header of tries. Their victory brought them within six points of the log leaders, the Loskop Leopards. For the Silverbacks, the season continue to be one of struggle and discontent. With only 3 points on the log they still have a mountain to climb. Those in front of them, however, need to stay alert for the Silver Ones will surely help to determine the final outcome of this season. Interesting days await!
Protea Cup
Wolverines 26 vs Silverbacks 20
Wolverines Tries
T.K. Kopelo 2, R. Labuschagne, S. Fuchs, G. Gibson, F. Cloete

Conversions
G Gibson
***********************
*Hat-trick Hero of the Week:  None

* Double – Header of the Week: T. Kopelo

* Golden Boot – Sharpshooter of the Week: G. Gibson

In a positive turn of events, the TuksRL Reds signalled in no uncertain terms that they are back and meaning business when they smashed the Spartans by 42-16 the past weekend. This brought them within reach of both Spartans and Pretoria. The key factor, however, is the fact that the Students have two games in hand. Whether this would be enough to catch log-leaders, the St. Helens Vultures, is debatable. The Vultures are sitting pretty at 25 points after 5 outings. Even with bonus points a possibility, the Reds may still fall short. Any unplanned defeat may also further derailed any well-laid plans devised during the festive break. Given the current standings, it is also highly unlikely that their Blue counterparts will make a dramatic return and upset the apple-cart. The TuksRL Blues however, can still play a spoiler role during the remainder of the season and aid their red peers to make a solid charge for the champions. Although the Grizzlies currently occupy the second place on the log, they face a real threat from Pretoria. The Pretoria men were in devastating form and ran the Brits Bulldogs ragged. With one game in hand and 16 points in hand, the Capitols are well placed to make an impactful surge to the title. Only problem is that the Tukkies Collective may have other plans. Similarly, the Grizzlies with their nose ahead of the men from the capitol, may also devised a number of ambushes. Home and away, and favours from friends, will seemingly play a determining role closer to the season’s end. If the pattern remain and the chips continue to fall in the right or same places, the Vultures may continue to soar and snatch the crown before anybody else. The dented pride of the Bulldogs and the need to restore the prestige of the Blues maybe just be the x-factors in this year’s competition. Only time will tell!!! 
Results of Kobus Botha Rhino cub 15-01-2022
TuksRL Reds 42 vs Spartans 16
Points scorers TuksRL Reds
Tries
 Esjee Esterhuyse 2 
 Louis Naude 2 
 CJ Meyer 2 
 Damain Diedericks
 Welcome Mphaka

Conversions
 Jean Coetzer 5
Point Scorers Spartans
Tries
 K Thabana
 M Jacobs
 M Shioma

Conversions
 Pieter Beukes 2

********************
Pretoria RLC 60 vs Brits Bulldogs 36
 Point scorers
Pretoria RLC Tries
 Marcell Human x3
 S Mxoli x2 
 E Taaibosch x2 
 Duane Bloem 
 Celvin Maduna 
 A Swartbooi 
 T Du Preez
Conversions
 Duane Bloem 6 
 T du Preez 
 T Tambodala
Brits Bulldogs Tries
A Olivier, M Baartman 2, S Anderson, J Dicks. B Theys, F Trollip

Conversions
F Trollip
*****************
Friendly Game
St Helens Vultures 40 vs Grizzlies 22
*********************
*Hat-trick Hero of the Week: 
 Marcell Human (Pretoria) x3
* Golden Boot – Sharpshooter of the Week: 
 Duane Bloem (Pretoria) 6 
* Double – Headers of the Week: 
 M Baartman 2 (Brits Bulldogs) 
 Marcell Human (Pretoria) x3
 S Mxoli (Pretoria) x2 
 E Taaibosch (Pretoria)  x2 
 Esjee Esterhuyse (TuksReds) 2 
 Louis Naude (TuksReds) 2 
 CJ Meyer 2 (TuksReds)

​Prime Minister Mr Jean Castex announced on Tuesday 11 January 2022, that France will be the host country of the Rugby League World Cup, which will take place in 2025, in the presence of Ms Roxana Maracineanu, Minister delegate for Sport. This announcement follows the signing between Hon. Troy Grant, President of the International Rugby League (IRL) and Michel Wiener, Managing Director of France 2025, of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) attribute the organisation of this World Cup to France.

France 2025 will simultaneously bring together four competitions: women, men, wheelchair and youth. Inclusion is a value upheld by rugby league, which is why the format of this 17th edition of the World Cup will be completely new.

The competition will take place in 40 cities across France, in particular in the medium-sized cities which make up the wealth of our regions: France 2025 will be the World Cup of the regions. Owing to facility capacity, major cities will be selected to hold the semi-finals and finals. Designed as an ecologically and economically responsible project, France 2025 will act as an accelerator for the economy, tourism, employment and vocational training, thanks to the direct and indirect benefits generated by the organisation of the competition and the 2,000+ professional training opportunities which will be created by France 2025 between 2023 and 2025.

These are the challenges and requirements of the country as well as its host regions for the World Cup, which were presented during an opening round table by Ms Caroline Cayeux, President of the Cities of France, Mr Kamel Chibli, Vice-President of the Regions of France, Mr Luc Lacoste, President of the French Rugby League Federation, Mr Claude Revel, President of GIE France Sport Expertise and Mr Thierry Teboul, Managing Director of AFDAS training agency.

This event will be a great public celebration that will showcase the diversity of our country's regions. The delegations will arrive in October 2025 and the competition will run for five weeks until mid-November 2025. Starting at the end of 2023, nearly one million tickets will go on sale for the stadiums and arenas (where the wheelchair competitions will take place). 100,000 supporters from all over the world are expected to follow France 2025.

France 2025 will be the people's competition. The average price of a ticket will be less than 30 Euro, enabling all audiences to take part in this celebration.

Organisation by France of this 2025 World Cup reflects the new direction that the French Rugby League has taken since the December 2020 election of Luc Lacoste as President of the French Federation. This election marks the desire of international bodies (IRL at a global level and ERL at a European level) to make France a new stronghold in the development strategy of rugby league worldwide.

"France is a land of major sporting events, which represent a tremendous asset for economic appeal and social cohesion in our regions. Hosting of the Rugby Union World Cup in 2023 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 are spearheads of this policy, carried out jointly by the state and communities. The Rugby League World Cup, which will be organised in 2025 by France, is a great opportunity for the many regions and cities that wish to engage in this dynamic and I support it wholeheartedly." Jean Castex, Prime Minister

“The rebirth of the international rugby league in France has been a strategic goal of our sport for many decades and I am delighted that it will now become a reality through this award of the 2025 world cup to France. As the sport’s international federation, International Rugby League is so pleased to be able to bring the world cup home, to where it all began with the first world cup in 1954, and in keeping with that historic theme, for the very first time there will be four competitions - Men, Women, Wheelchair and Youth - truly a Rugby League World Cup for everyone, and all of society.

“We are very grateful to the French government and all the regions, cities and towns for the strong support they have given to our outstanding French bid team and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the globe to this wonderful country, not only to share our exciting & accessible sport but also to enjoy world-class tourism, rich cultural experiences and the unique atmosphere of France and its people.

“This 2025 world cup journey will allow us to build on the already strong bond that exists between rugby league and France, but also to deepen rugby league’s presence in and throughout the country. As a sport, we are proud to complete a trifecta of major world sporting events in this magnificent French decade of sport and help celebrate a wonderful, proud and dynamic nation through an unforgettable celebration of rugby league”. Troy Grant, Chair of International Rugby League.

"With this announcement of the return of the Rugby League World Cup to its homeland of France, it is wonderful news that is shaping up today for our sport, the French Rugby League Federation, and especially for the clubs, managers, members and volunteers. We are extremely proud for them to see this magnificent event being launched today. First and foremost, it belongs to them. 
“What a journey we have taken in less than a year. It was a commitment to the world of the French rugby league; it is now becoming a reality. 
“The very design of the project opens up great prospects for the development of this sport in multiple regions and with a large and diverse audience. 
“I would like to thank all the teams who participated in the development of this project and, first and foremost, its Executive Director, Michel Wiener. I would also like to thank the IRL Steering Committee, represented by its President, Troy Grant, for its confidence in our project. Finally, we would like to thank the French Government for its support as well as the regions of France and the local authorities who have already come forward to organise this wonderful event alongside France 2025. Together, we will make France 2025 a huge success. The story starts today." Luc Lacoste, President of the French Rugby League Federation

​FROM: ERL MEDIA DEPARTMENT
DATE: 17 January 2022

𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐄

Rugby League Norge has announced their domestic schedule for the men’s running game. The season is due to kick off on April 30, culminating with a Grand Final scheduled for Saturday 17 September.

Five clubs will contest the Championship, which will see Haugesund Sea Eagles host Lillestrøm Lions in the opening game. They will be joined by Oslo Capitals, Sandnes Raiders and Trondheim, with the sides meeting each other once throughout the season.

RLN president, Anne Haigh, commented: “After delaying the season in 2021 because of the pandemic, we are delighted to be back on schedule, in our usual slot, and all of the teams are preparing for what is set to be another hard-fought championship.

“Sadly 2021 champions Stavanger will not return to defend their crown but plan to play some friendlies and enter any 9s activity, but the competition will be boosted by an increase in domestic refereeing talent following the visit of European Rugby League match officials tutor Paul Causby, who delivered a course in late 2021 in preparation for the new season.”

Haigh added: “The effort of the clubs and players is amazing as rugby league in Norway sees some of the longest distances travelled by community clubs in the world – it is almost a 600km drive between Oslo and Trondheim, for example. We are also planning some international fixtures for later in the year as part of the return to action.”

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 𝐑𝐮𝐠𝐛𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

Haugesund Sea Eagles v Lillestrøm Lions – 30th April
Oslo Capitals v Trondheim Rugby Klubb – 7th May

Oslo Capitals v Sandnes Raiders – 21st May
Trondheim Rugby Klubb v Haugesund Sea Eagles – 21st May

Haugesund Sea Eagles v Oslo Capitals – 11th June
Sandes Raiders v Lillestrøm Lions – 11th June

Sandnes Raiders v Haugesund Sea Eagles – 27th August
Lillestrøm Lions v Trondheim Rugby Klubb – 27th August

Trondheim Rugby Klubb v Sandnes Raiders – 10th September
Lillestrøm Lions – Oslo Capitals – 10th September

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 – 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

​Preparations to have KwaZulu-Natal as Province registered with League Rugby and to enroll a
few rugby clubs in the province to join Rugby League, is fast becoming a reality. The Natal Rugby
Union gave their full support by submitting the names and particulars of all registered clubs in the
province for League to negotiate directly to play Rugby League as a Summer sport. This would
help to develop rugby in general. To add to this good news, a new initiative, the South African
Centre for Sport and Community Development  was established recently near Port Shepstone in
Natal to accommodate Union and Rugby League, an affiliated member of SARU, under one roof.                                                                                 

Negotiations are taking shape to have a special awards presentation event, for those who
Rugby players who joined overseas Rugby league clubs and administrators [U1] who later contributed
to have rugby league played in South Africa during the period 1950 to 1996.“ Most of these
individuals are not with us anymore and a search is on to make contact  with those individuals or
their families says Jan Prinsloo, a former Vice President and Rugby League Springbok Legend
who was given the green light last year by the South African Rugby League Sports Association to
stage his idea. The event will likely take place in the Caste of Good Hope, in Cape Town, later
this year says Prinsloo who is directly involved in league rugby since 1961,
 
“ It is an uphill battle to find the names and particulars of every player of which some may still
be alive or their families but we hope to have at least sixty names and many international
representatives who will  probably attend this historical function to honor those who has for too
long been forgotten. “ SARLSA will appreciate any information to assist us in our endeavor with
names or information to follow up.” Says the 85 year young Jan Prinsloo, first League Springbok
whos’e name appears (2017)    in the League’s Hall of Fame and the first Legend of the South-
 African Rugby League Sports Association.

 [U1]
​

“The question is:  What are the major tasks to be set and uphold by the South African Rugby
League in a land of unparalleled athletic abilities?”   Here is what  South Africa’s first Rugby
League’s Springbok Legend,  Oom Jan Prinsloo, had to say.
 
“  One of the major tasks that were set b years ago by the Executive Board many years ago
was to secure and enhance certain values of Life, especially in sport and the formation of
potential rugby stars. It was therefore a priviledge for die administrators of the Game to intro
duce themselves as ambassadors and to uphold from the start, that Rugby League is and
always will be focused on diccipline, a love and respect for our country and towards its people.
 
Today, Rugby League is still is prepared thorough all the years to play rugby with the necessary
respect towards the priorities and objectives for sporting bodies in South Africa and as it is
embedded in the country’s legislation for Sport and Recreation. It will always remain a key
objective, namely to ensure that this International code of rugby is played and administered
in the good spirit of a national sport in a sport loving and winning country.
 
One should always remember that the underlying rationale was the persuit of a new inclusive
dispensation for macro sport in our country. A dispensation which will enable South Africa
as a country to formulate and to implement sports development programs that are inclusive,
holistic and intergrated from talented identification to national and international participation.
In this regard,Rugby League must always, wholeheartedly, support these views.
 
It must be remembered that Sport is central to achievement of every single one of the aspi-
rations, policies and principles that underpin the objectives of our Government, not with-
standing the deliberately contrived past fromwhich it emerges, it is now a united force
ready to discharge its responsibility as a unifier, healer of wounds, creator of opportunities,
booster of national health, consolidator of international ties and restorer of the culture
of learning and teaching of the so-called marginalized youth.” says Prinsloo.

​19 DECEMBER 1971
Warrington Debut of Toby Du Toit

On this day, 50 years ago, Transvaal provincial player Tobies (‘Toby’) Du Toit, made his debut for Warrington, at Hunslet on Sunday 19 December. Warrington won 13–6, with du Toit kicking two goals. He then played in every game until the end of the season – 24 in all – and scored points in his first nine appearances with eight tries and 15 goals. 

Before his rugby league debut, Tobies represented the Johannesburg Police RFC’s club in both the Bailey and Pirates Grand Challenge Cup and Transvaal in the Currie Cup competition. A wing, he made his provincial debut in 1967, and represented his province 41 times and scored 18 tries.

By Hendrik Snyders

On this day, Christmas 1958, former Western Province Springbok, Allan Skene made his debut for Wakefield Trinity at Castleford. He played in the centre for Trinity, partnering with Neil Fox. 

His partnership with Fred Smith made a very strong right-wing. In 1959-60 they scored 73 tries between them, with Skene scoring 35. Smith’s 38 was a new club record. Skene finished sixth in the season’s national try scorers list. Two of Skene’s tries came in the Challenge Cup Final when Trinity beat Hull 38-5 at Wembley. 

The following weekend Trinity had the chance of the League and Cup double, but Wigan overwhelmed them 27–3. But two medals in his first full season was a good return. Trinity had also won the Yorkshire League. The following season brought another medal – Skene was part of the Wakefield team that beat Huddersfield 16-10 in the Yorkshire Cup Final. Further success followed in 1961-62 when Wakefield again reached the Championship and Challenge Cup Finals. 

Trinity triumphed again at Wembley, Neil Fox scoring all the points in a 12-6 win over Huddersfield. But the Fartown side got their revenge the next week, winning the Championship Final 14-5 at Odsal. Trinity also won the Yorkshire League. Earlier in the season, Skene had scored his first try in a Cup Final, when Wakefield beat Leeds 13-9 to win the Yorkshire Cup.
And he won his first international honours, playing twice for a Rugby League XIII, against France and New Zealand. He scored 24 tries but was only the fourth highest South African in the season’s list, van Vollenhoven, club-mate Jan Prinsloo and Workington’s Piet Pretorius were all ahead of him. Skene also played for Wakefield Trinity on their 1962 tour to South Africa. He left Wakefield in November 1962, having played 136 games, scoring 69 tries. In four years he had played in six major finals, and won three medals for the Yorkshire League.

By Hendrik Snyders