Countries where you've seen RL played (how was the experience?)

[Manxmanc]

I've seen RL in the heartlands of England and Australia, as many of our posters have.

Wales - not in recent times, but my one experience 25+ years ago suggested lots of interested spectators in Wales willing to give the game a chance.

Isle of Man - although there is no RL at present, the Charity Shields there were well attended. With its close proximity to the NW of England, and ex-pat northerners, it's surprising that nothing has happened there in recent times.

I'm afraid I don't have any more exotic locations.

(Eh em..I suppose this is a bit tenuous, but I once put money in a collection tin in a bar in the Cook Islands that was raising money to support local players, notably the Iro brothers - this before the Cook Islands had a team)

 

 

[Big Picture]

I've seen it in Canada and the US, that's it so far.

[Manxmanc]

Well that's two countries I haven't experienced. I'd be interested to know what level you've seen and what the experience (spectator reaction, for example) was like.

 

[deluded pom?]

Australia and Wales here too. New Zealand next week  and hoping to go to Canada next season.

[Big Picture]

The matches in Canada were back in the mid-1990s when Dave Silcock's group was struggling to get the game going here, it was an amateur level with barely any spectators at all.  Even the 1995 match between Canada and France in Montéal was a low key affair which didn't get much of a crowd.

The  US one was the match between Leeds and South Sydney in Jacksonville.  The stadium was full with spectators from all over, probably more travelling fans than locals but I couldn't be certain of that.  It was a quality match despite wet conditions, we all enjoyed it.

[OriginalMrC]

England, Wales and that's it. I have however  played rugby league in the US for Coventry Uni against Boston Storm about 20 years. That was an amazing experience. 

[Just Browny]

England, Wales, Belgium, Scotland, and France.

Besides watching Warrington in Perpignan, was lucky enough to be at the France v Wales game in Lens a few years back. Odd location, but the curious crowd got behind their team and seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Naturally the experience was a one-off.

I also had the fortune to watch many of the current Belgian national side's first games, in Ixelles and Neder-over-Hembeek. It was scrappy stuff to begin with but they have made admirable progress in the meantime and I regret that I can no longer go and cheer them on on a Saturday afternoon.

[Dave T]

England for the majority, great.

Oz for 2008 WC plus a couple of NRL games. Enjoyable if a bit flat.

Then Wales probably. Always found the Welsh to be good folk who generally enjoy it, whether in Wrexham, Swansea or Cardiff.

Scotland has been enjoyable. Great Magic weekends at Murrayfield, plus a handful of Scotland internationals. Crowds surprisingly knowledgeable.

France - never made it for Catalans yet, but did go to watch Alan Langers first game for Wire vs St Esteve. Loved it.

Spain - Barcelona for Catalans v Wire at the Olympic Stadium is one of my favourite sporting memories. Amazing weekend.

[Phil]

Driving through Barcelona in 1987 we’re stopped at traffic lights when Mrs Phil points to a park across the road and says “look Rugby League!!”

cue horns and gesticulations as the lights turn green and we’re still watching ?

played twice and refereed once at the Rotterdam international nines (thanks Yanto)

 

[MidlandsRugbyLeague]

I've seen the game played in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, Serbia, Italy and Australia. All unique experiences. Also been on RL business to Germany and Denmark. 

The most humbling: players erecting goalposts pre match in Serbia immediately before warm up.

The most comical: marking a deadball line with gaffer tape ten minutes before kick off.

The best feed: post match Serbia v Ukraine in 2014. 

The best welcome: Ukraine.

 

[Getmefood]

Well in the case of on TV, in the Philippines they were showing Setanta Sports and the Auckland 9s were on back in 2015. 

[Bob8]

On 22/10/2017 at 12:24 AM, MidlandsRugbyLeague said:

I've seen the game played in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, Serbia, Italy and Australia. All unique experiences. Also been on RL business to Germany and Denmark. 

The most humbling: players erecting goalposts pre match in Serbia immediately before warm up.

The most comical: marking a deadball line with gaffer tape ten minutes before kick off.

The best feed: post match Serbia v Ukraine in 2014. 

The best welcome: Ukraine.

 

And it was very good to see you!

Denmark, England, Norway, Sweden, and USA.

Hardest game ever was in Philadelphia.

Also, watched but not played in Australia.

[Viking Ste]

Taking a team of U'15's to Czech Republic to play Beroun Black Panthers XIII back in 2008

[RayCee]

In  NZ, every level from club matches in various divisions, regional, Warriors and various internationals. Best ground in NZ Carlaw Park for feeling the action but gone now. Worst atmosphere Suncorp Stadium watching the Brisbane Broncos. Huge crowd but hard to see the game from high up and it was a bit flat due to a poor game.

[Bearman]

England, Scotland,Wales, Ireland,Serbia,France and Canada.

Serbia and Canada were the most memorable with the warmest welcomes.

[Jill Halfpenny fan]

England, Wales, France and Isle of Man with Widnes.

Australia with GB.

[RS]

Serbia, Czech Rebublic, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, IOM, France - done around 18 grounds

Perpignan - Pia, St Esteve, Gilbert B, Amie Giral.

Limoux, Carcassonne, Lezignan, Albi, Carpentras, Toulouse x 3, Narbonne

Limoux Flassian

Prexian

Ferrals

Villegailhenc

Villeneuve Minervois

Small stadium in Carcassonne - youth tournament

Soon to be Australia

[Lounge Room Lizard]

Have watched, coached, played and Reffed in England, France, Serbia, Netherlands, Germany, Wales, Norway Estonia, Australia, NZ, Sweden, Denmark, Czech Rep, Italy, Spain. No matter where I have been its always been a warm atmosphere and nobody has looked down or been negative despite the many different levels and circumstances. People often are struggling to keep the club or game going in that area but they keep positive and make you feel welcome no matter what. 

Its always been a pleasure to work with some of the most famous people involved in Rugby League Development in Europe. What has really stood out is the lengths that many people go across Europe and the world to get the sport developed in some way in there area-whether that be Rockhampton, Rodney Rams (NZ), Belgrade, Rotterdam, Dortmund, Valencia, Beroun, Copenhagen, Oslo or Halifax. Its often sadly not seen by many, the hardship and sacrifices made by people and the family. Without such commitment and sacrifices by them all there would probably not be any Rugby League. 

The good thing is the game is growing with just this month Albania now hosting a 9s comp. You can go almost to any place in Europe and within a couple of hours drive, somebody somewhere has or is organizing a Rugby League event. I am envious of my wife who managed to catch a game in the Cook Islands, when she was travelling a few years  ago. But she said it was unreal that on the field it was so brutal, but off it so friendly and everybody just so laid back and happy.

[deluded pom?]

32 minutes ago, Lounge Room Lizard said:

Its always been a pleasure to work with some of the most famous people involved in Rugby League Development in Europe. 

So famous that I bet not many people realise who they are and I definitely don't mean that in a disparaging way.

[Lounge Room Lizard]

40 minutes ago, deluded pom? said:

So famous that I bet not many people realise who they are and I definitely don't mean that in a disparaging way.

 

40 minutes ago, deluded pom? said:

 

Sadly these people often go unnoticed and without them the game would not be played in the Countries where they are. The RLEF have been brilliant in helping them with very little funding. However without these people, the game would not have any presence in these countries. Some people are more known than others. But I would love to see the media in the game bring to the attention more the great sacrifices and work many of these. Stories on these pioneers who often have no Rugby League background. Sadly many people in the game would not recognize them. I am honoured to know them and worked with them and become friends. The efforts of the guys, is a story often unknown about and the hardships they all face regularly. Its hard often thankless task. But for me they are heroes and famous even as you say that many don't know who they are or what efforts they have put in to develop the game.

 

[deluded pom?]

Are you reading this Mr Drake?

[owfener]

I remember playing in Germany a good while ago, a bit of an exhibition game to get the game going. The German lads were really keen but they were the only team so not much chance of a foothold.

It was a very enjoyable long weekend. The standard of ground and facilities really good, with a doctor in attendance, too. The refereeing was abysmal, though.

A certain Mr Fred Lindop was the man in black.

[Gerrumonside ref]

England: Every top flight ground (some old as well as new), a few Championship grounds (some old as well as new)

Wales: First Magic Weekend

Hoping to go to NA at some point in the future, would love an Aussie tour too.

[Wellsy4HullFC]

Does playing count? I was watching at the same time! ?

England (obviously), Wales, Scotland, France and Malta.

Hopefully I can add USA and Canada to that, and maybe Spain and Italy one day. Can't afford Aus ?

[henage]

Are you sure you cant afford Oz .?

We have a alerts to our email from trip adviser   , Etihad etc

Some real keen prices for return flights , some inside information /help with accommodation .

Away you go !!!!!