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Put a fork in Scotland, they're done

yakstorm

First Grade
Messages
5,293
This isn't a huge deal, their official status is now reflecting the reality of the last few years. People were calling for this in 2017 or before.
Their admin are aware of the challenges they face and on board with the membership change

The disappointing part is it took until they were back on the way up for this change to happen. As you've mentioned earlier, they actually are back to having 4 clubs, and actually have a proper U16s competition, activity happening in the Women's and Wheelchair scenes as well as School competitions.

The delay on doing this also meant that Scotland enjoyed an easier run to the World Cup. Being a full member nation, they were given a spot in the Final 6 of the European Qualifiers (with Italy and Ireland who are all full members currently).

Whilst they possibly still would have made the event, it did give them an easier run.
 

adamkungl

Immortal
Messages
42,955
The disappointing part is it took until they were back on the way up for this change to happen. As you've mentioned earlier, they actually are back to having 4 clubs, and actually have a proper U16s competition, activity happening in the Women's and Wheelchair scenes as well as School competitions.

The delay on doing this also meant that Scotland enjoyed an easier run to the World Cup. Being a full member nation, they were given a spot in the Final 6 of the European Qualifiers (with Italy and Ireland who are all full members currently).

Whilst they possibly still would have made the event, it did give them an easier run.

RLIF website, which i suspect might be outdated, still lists Italy as Affiliate members.

If they are full members, can anyone provide any concrete detail about their domestic competitions? Full members should have this information easily available imo
 

yakstorm

First Grade
Messages
5,293
RLIF website, which i suspect might be outdated, still lists Italy as Affiliate members.

If they are full members, can anyone provide any concrete detail about their domestic competitions? Full members should have this information easily available imo

RLIF and RLEF membership statuses don't always align. Scotland's RLIF status has not changed, well at least not yet (may change at the next board meeting)

Italy is listed as a full RLEF member on the RLEF website.
 

langpark

First Grade
Messages
5,867
Yes it is strange that the membership statuses don't align.

Italy, sadly, never has much going on. Their one shining light (Saluzzo Roosters) were playing in one of the lower divisions of France, sadly have defected back to union. Since they left, I see very little activity happening there. Their set-up has always been, to play a one-month competition during union off-season, then, outside that, little to nothing was ever happening. Lignano Sharks seemed to be a flash in the pan too, played a couple of matches then disappeared as fast as they arrived.
 

yakstorm

First Grade
Messages
5,293
So when Scotland leaves the UK, will this help it as a Rugby League nation?

Unlikely, maybe the SRL might be able to get more Government investment if the Scottish Government decides that it wants to use sport as a vehicle to drive Scottish patriotism, but I feel RL would be way down on that list.

Considering the RFL has 'stepped out' of funding the SRL and the SRL is a member of the IRL, there really is little stopping them from doing more now and organising their own tours / internationals / etc.

The sad thing is in the late 90s and early 00s the Scottish Students and Scotland A use to play regular internationals (there use to be an amateur 'Euro Championship') and go in tours to the likes of Italy and Serbia, helping promote the code.
 
Messages
246
Play as the GB Lions, which means no Ireland. Norway is still in Scandinavia etc.

I want the word Wales abolished, it's an insult. It's GB in the greatest show on Earth, the Olympics, so.....
 

adamkungl

Immortal
Messages
42,955

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/love-rugby-league-sponsors-scotlands-newest-club/

Good to see things slowly turning around in Scotland
You'd think with a bit of momentum (a crazy person might suggest the national team playing at home with a bit of decent promotion) you could get teams up in Dundee, Perth, Falkirk, maybe even second clubs in the 2 big cities. And the return of the Aberdeen Warriors.

upload_2021-2-8_20-44-1.png
 

adamkungl

Immortal
Messages
42,955
https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/love-rugby-league-sponsors-scotlands-newest-club/

Good to see things slowly turning around in Scotland
You'd think with a bit of momentum (a crazy person might suggest the national team playing at home with a bit of decent promotion) you could get teams up in Dundee, Perth, Falkirk, maybe even second clubs in the 2 big cities. And the return of the Aberdeen Warriors.

View attachment 45795

Called it :D

This is great to see. The potential for Scotland in Rugby League is wonderful.
 

adamkungl

Immortal
Messages
42,955
with Aberdeen proposing a 2022 return, they'll have at least 6 teams next year. Which is a great result. Hopefully this momentum even attracts a couple more.
 

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