Teams from the capitals of seven European nations will meet in the ‘Capitals of Rugby League 9s’ this Saturday (8 October), at the Epitok Sports Field, Budapest. The day-long tournament will feature teams from London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Belgrade, Paris, Vitez and Budapest.
The Hungarian Rugby League Federation have been using 9s to increase their participation in international events, and having already won in the Czech Republic and Poland this year, they will be supporting a heritage team in the Cabramatta International 9s in Australia next year.
“It has been my dream to start a Grand Prix type, 9s event here ever since we played in one in Paris. Our ladies were the shining stars on that day but the men’s team also enjoyed it,” said HLRF president, Zsolt Lukacs. “We have nine teams coming in from all corners of Europe.
“The teams will split into three pools, for group matches of four minutes each half, before moving into a tiered second round. Following that, the top two sides will contest a nine minute each way final, and there will be a match to determine third place.
“A few years ago all this would have been impossible, but this weekend will see over 150 people at Europe’s first ‘Rock and Rugby League’ bar in Budapest – the Rocktogon.”
Along with an awards ceremony at the Rocktogon, players and fans will be able to watch on big-screen tevision, the Warrington v Wigan, sell-out, 2016 First Utility Super League Grand Final, from Old Trafford.
