INTERNATIONAL Rugby League at its highest level perhaps suffers from the pre-eminence of Australia (okay, there are challengers to the Kangaroos, including – of course – England, together with the likes of New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga, who can also severely test the Green and Golds on their day, but it’s more in hope than expectation that anyone takes on the Aussies).
Beneath the forthcoming World Cup, though, there exists a whole, exciting sub-world, which will be encapsulated shortly by the Euro 19s.
This, among others, is a competition that the Rugby League aficionado really can enjoy.
It’s taking place in the French Pyrenees this year, which is surely tempting for anyone who can get along, and it starts this Sunday when England, the holders, play Ukraine.
Hosts France meet Scotland and the other two sides in the Championship itself, Serbia and Wales, will bring the opening day’s action to a close.
That last game kicks-off too late for a report to feature in next Monday’s League Express, in fact the same probably applies to the other two fixtures, including England’s, but details of all matches will be publicised in League Express, even if eight days’ later.
Reports on Sunday’s Shield matches, with Greece meeting Ireland in the morning and Canada taking on Norway at lunchtime, could possibly appear in our July 13 issue (I’ll be looking into that this week) while our issue of July 20 should include reports on the second tier’s fixtures scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday, subject to information being supplied by those with their feet on the ground.
Sadly, though, the competition as a whole is already surrounded by sadness following the awful death on Saturday, June 27 of Norway’s Emil Grindheim.
The International Rugby League stated: “We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of young Norwegian player Emil Grindheim, who passed away in tragic circumstances last weekend.
“The 19-year-old succumbed to the current while he was swimming with friends in a rockpool at Netland, north of Kvinesdal.
“Emil was a promising player with a great passion for Rugby League, who had represented his country at both senior and Under 19 level.
“He played for Norway in last October’s European Championship D matches against Germany and Czechia, kicking eleven goals in Norway’s 86-6 defeat of Czechia.”
Norway’s players paid tribute to Grindheim in Thursday’s senior international match against Canada in Lillestrom. The teenager had been rested from the match as he was due to represent Norway in the Euro 19s.
My old friend Danny Kazandjian, the IRL’s secretary-general, said: “While I did not know Emil or his family, I am aware of how devoted Emil and they all were to our sport, sitting at the very centre of the tight-knit, courageous Norwegian Rugby League community, with whom we grieve at this moment of unimaginable tragedy.
“Those who knew Emil said that he lived for Rugby League, and his memory will live on in every hard-fought step of progress the sport continues to make in Norway.
“On behalf of everyone in the IRL and the global Rugby League family, we pay our deepest respects and condolences to Emil’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
Well said, Danny.
Meanwhile, the countries who are taking part have been reminded that a minimum of eight domestic lads (the definition of which is, of necessity, complicated) must be included in each matchday 19-player squad.
Still on the international theme, German Exiles will follow up the win over Brazil late last month with a fixture, this Friday, against the Prison Service.
And Brazil themselves are looking forward to hosting Oxford University’s men’s and women’s sides shortly, and are also inviting teams to visit next year.
Warwick University and GB Northern Police are already building towards trips and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if quite a few others are interested.
I’m not sure about how well known this is but Brazil, who most folk will view as pretty much pre-eminent in world soccer, hold Exeter City (who were relegated from the Football League’s League One last season) in the highest esteem as, back in 1914, City were the first side to play the Brazil national team and are recognised as having an important part to play in the country’s football development.
I wonder whether Oxford, Warwick and Great Britain Northern Police could, similarly, enter sporting folklore?
Closer to home, the grassroots game in Wales is undoubtedly vibrant and the weekend’s Jets Fest, which involved men’s, youth, junior, and girls’ games and was overseen by West Wales Jets, went extremely well.
Jets chairman Liam Price was understandably elated and said: “We’re absolutely delighted with how the day unfolded. To have nearly 450 players taking part across 13 matches over eight hours is a fantastic achievement and a real celebration of inclusive Rugby League.
“One of the proudest moments of the day was seeing five girls’ teams from across Wales playing at the same venue. As far as we’re aware, it’s the first time five Welsh girls’ Rugby League sides have come together at one ground, and that’s a significant milestone for the growth of the women’s and girls’ game in Wales.
“On behalf of everyone at South Wales Jets, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the clubs who travelled to be with us – Culcheth Eagles, West Wales Jets, Rhondda Outlaws, Torfaen Tigers, Aber Valley Wolves and Swansea Rams.
“We know the commitment it takes to travel, particularly for those coming from further afield, and their support helped make the festival such a memorable occasion.”
He continued: “I’d also like to thank Penallta RFC for being outstanding hosts, along with our volunteers, officials, coaches, referees, supporters and everyone who worked behind the scenes to ensure the day ran so smoothly. Events like this simply don’t happen without people giving their time and energy.
“The atmosphere throughout the day was outstanding. There was plenty of competitive Rugby League on display, but more importantly there was friendship, respect and enjoyment between all the clubs. That’s exactly what Jets Fest is all about.”
Price concluded: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and we hope the success of this festival encourages more clubs to organise similar events.
“The more opportunities we can provide for players to come together, play regular fixtures and build relationships across the Rugby League community, the stronger and more inclusive our sport will become.”
I expect this Saturday’s Summer Bash at Sardis Road, Pontypridd to be similarly successful.
Finally, I always find it invigorating when match reports drop in on Saturday teatimes, and I opened the email from Thatto Heath’s David Sharples with extra-keen anticipation.
The Crusaders, after all, have been on fire in recent weeks and were aiming to extend a three-match unbeaten sequence in the National League’s Premier Division, while visitors West Hull had won all of their 13 games.
I expected it to be close, indeed I wouldn’t have been at all surprised by a win for Thatto.
Instead, Wests prevailed 28-8 – a result that certainly adds to the Green and Golds’ credentials for the League Leaders’ Trophy – although it’s pertinent I think that Ryan Steen’s men were only 14-8 ahead on the hour.
It seems that West Hull can win any which way, which is a hallmark of champions. I wouldn’t discount, though, a meeting between these two teams in the inaugural Grand Final.
Also on the National Leagues, it stood out that three teams were nilled on Saturday, and lost by big margins.
Hunslet ARLFC beat Lock Lane 68-0, and Waterhead Warriors saw off Rochdale Mayfield 70-0 (both in the top flight) while Dewsbury Celtic cruised to a 52-0 victory over Stanningley in Division One.
That’s very unusual, in fact I can’t recall anything similar previously, including in the old National Conference League.