Western European nations announce Test Matches

[Bronco Rob]

Great to see these start-up nations getting some games between themselves. Hopefully Germany can get their act together after they dropped the ball after the resignation of Simon Cooper a few years ago.

WESTERN EUROPEAN NATIONS ANNOUNCE TEST MATCHES


11th April 2014
Four international games have been announced as Test match rugby league comes to Western Europe over the next couple of months. The Nassau Trophy sees Belgium and Spain play home and away; the Orange Cup pits the low countries against each other as Belgium take on Holland and the Dutch kick off the series when they host Germany, in what will be the farewell game for Deutschland coach Dan Stocks, for the Griffin Cup.

Belgium Rugby League Association president Yves-Michael Kazadi commented: “These games will be played with passion. We all know the historical rivalry between the countries. I am happy for the fans, they will certainly see what rugby league is all about and enjoy it. But clearly, as president, my personal focus will be on improvement of the association and its quality at all levels in order to attract more clubs and participants.”

Netherlands RLB Development Director Jason Bruygoms is excited by the prospect. “We would like to make these games annual fixtures, we think it is only wise to help support each other as neighbours. There is a huge opportunity to see this collaboration grow into a strong international competition in the region. Together we can grow stronger.”

For Spanish coach Darren Fisher, the games are a measure of progress. “Rugby league in Spain is undoubtedly making great strides as we look to our first international games,” he said. “The fixtures are a fantastic achievement for all involved in the rugby league project in Spain and the first stepping stone to where we want to be. Awareness of rugby league is spreading fast. The internationals will be a fantastic opportunity for the public to come and see the a game and more importantly support their country.”

Asociacion Espanol Rugby League General Secretary Aitor Davila added: “Our first match against Belgium will be an historical moment, not only for the Spanish RL and its objectives but also for Spanish sport.”

Pictured: Belgium and Holland will face off again.

WESTERN EUROPE TEST FIXTURES
Netherlands v Germany, Delft, 3 May
Belgium v Spain, Centre Sportif de Neder-Over-Heembeek, Brussels, 24 May
Spain v Belgium, Campo de Rugby la Pelosa, Valencia, 8 June
Belgium v Netherlands, Centre Sportif de Neder-Over-Heembeek, Brussels, 28 June

http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/763/western-european-nations-announce-test

 

[Steve Davy]

I am delighted to be able to say that Simon Cooper is involved in reviving German rugby league.

 

[Bronco Rob]

I am delighted to be able to say that Simon Cooper is involved in reviving German rugby league.

Steve, can you shed any more light on Simon's involvement? The game in Germany certainly went somewhat downhill after he originally left.

 

[Dakink]

The prospect of growth in this region greatly excites me, I really look forward to being able to watch competitive league between more countries.

 

[Steve Davy]

Steve, can you shed any more light on Simon's involvement? The game in Germany certainly went somewhat downhill after he originally left.

Excuse me for being a little cagey initially. I do not want to pre-empt any public announcement. The chap who took over after Simon tried to do a huge amount himself and unfortuately he circumstances mean he cannot carry on. There will therefore be come old faces coming back on the scene. I actually had the pleasure of having Simon as a house guest at the weekend and I think he is looking forward to things with some optimism.