Scotland Rugby League

Cumbernauld Off To A Flyer

2011-11-29T14:54:00.000Z

Cumbernauld College made a sublime start to the Student 9's season on 20/11/11 at Nethercraigs Sports Complex, winning all of their three matches on the day without conceding any points.

Despite the miserable weather in Cardonald and inexperienced players all four teams played committed and enthusiastic rugby, just about keeping the crowd distracted from their sodden clothes and numb feet.

As the only team that regularly play and train together Cumbernauld were expected to emerge victorious, and their first-round results merited their favourites tag as they beat Strathclyde University 20 - 0, Glasgow Caledonian University 26 - 0 and the University of the West of Scotland 30 - 0.

Scotland under-18 winger Daryl Love was particularly impressive with his allusive side-steps and devastating pace. His return of six tries in three matches was due reward for his excellent performances.

Cumbernauld put down an early marker by flying into the opening game against Strathclyde. The College looked much happier with ball in hand and were much more forceful running forward. Strathclyde's attack was comparatively timid and never really looked like breaking down the aggressive Cumbernauld defence.

Glasgow Caledonian suffered a similar fate to Strathclyde, with Daryl Love opening the scoring through a trademark break down the left.

Caledonian's defence looked more organised than Strathclyde's, and after their initial set-back they held the College at bay. However, a combination of inexperience and the weather conditions resulted in Caledonian attacks regularly breaking down from handling errors.

Cumbernauld vs. UWS was billed as the College's toughest match, as players who regularly train together or compete at club level lined up for both teams. Sure enough the game started fiercely, with both teams flying into contact areas.

Before long though the crowd was treated to the familiar site of Daryl Love finding space down the left, and once they had taken the lead Cumbernauld never looked like losing it. UWS never quite managed to make the most of their superior size in the pack, and by the end they looked as if the day's rugby had taken a lot more out of them than the College.

The most closely contended game of the day was Glasgow Caledonian vs. UWS. The teams made up for their lack of training with a lot of hard work and determination, and a scoreless first half reflected both teams' industriousness.

UWS eventually broke the deadlock with easily the luckiest try of the day. A chip from the right of the pitch into the try area rebounded of the posts and into Marcin Majewski 's hands, who was left with the simple job of stepping over the line.

However, Caledonian quickly responded as Quinn found space on the wing and out-paced the chasing defenders to touch down. Although the conversion looked like it glided wide of the posts the referee deemed it over, and the game ended 6 - 6.

Strathclyde appeared to still be recovering from their beating at the hands of Cumbernauld when they took to the field against UWS, and they quickly fell to an 8 - 0 deficit. Some slick passing and loose UWS defence brought Strathclyde back into the game though, and they eventually won the game 16 - 8 after running home 3 tries.

A battle between two of the Glasgow Universities was always going to be fiery, and sure enough Caledonian vs. Strathclyde was a hotly contested affair. As the two teams were the least experienced in the draw, both defences were lacking in organisation. This was to the games benefit, however, as it made for lots of open, attacking rugby.

Early tries were exchanged before Caledonian took the lead through a lovely passing move finished off by Quinn. But then Strathclyde once again proved themselves to be determined opponents as they ran riot after the break to complete their second come-back of the day. A final score of 24 - 12 was perhaps a touch harsh on Caledonian overall, but demonstrated Strathclyde's second-half dominance.

So after a hard (and wet) day of rugby Cumbernauld take maximum points going into the next round in February, whilst Caledonian, UWS and Strathclyde will look to stay positive after an encouraging start and hope to build before round two.

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Scotland's Wheelchair Tag Rugby League success story...

2011-11-14T10:25:00.001Z

Scotland's National Wheelchair Tag Rugby League squad recently held a further training session on Saturday 29th October 2011, at the Tollcross Leisure Centre, Glasgow. They enjoyed a technically challenging four hour training session.

A total of 19 players both disabled and able bodied took part, several from the local Easterhouse Panthers ARLFC. It was wonderful to witness the co-operation between differently skilled players. The atmosphere created was the ideal environment to promote Wheelchair Tag Rugby League of the finest quality. All the participants displayed the desire to develop their skills with tremendous vigour.

The Team Manager and Head Coach Adrian Kennedy is quoted as saying, "The Scottish players who will shortly representing their country, have the sprit, desire and passion to take the game to a new level in the sport".

What's next for the Squad ?

Plans are well advanced in identifying a venue for weekly training in the New Year. It is necessary to ensure that the long term sustainability arrangements are in place. There are further plans for taster/ come "try it" sessions, where potential players for the National Squad will be identified. This is the golden opportunity for anyone wishing to become involved, whether as a player or volunteer, to come along and see first-hand how exciting, skilled and engaging the sport of Wheelchair Tag Rugby League really can be.

It is specifically designed to emulate the full blown running game. Make no mistake there is plenty of skill and effort required to partake in the sport. However, whether wanting to play for fun, exercise, comradeship or you just want to find out more about the sport. Everyone is welcome to both come along and observe the training sessions or trying out the sport for the first time. Places are limited due to the numbers of wheelchairs available on the day.

You know it's a great sport, get involved.

Contact Adrian Kennedy for further information - 07577 709600

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Scotland Squad To Face England Announced

2011-11-08T14:15:00.000Z

Scotland have announced their squad for the Under-18 international against England Community Lions at Whitehaven on Wednesday night.

Scotland Rugby League Coach Alan Davidson, assisted by Mark Senter and John Duffy, has included players from all across Great Britain in his first squad, from prop Louie Sutherland of London Skolars and Southgate College to Cameron Brown of Robert Gordon's College in Aberdeen.

There are seven Scotland-based players included, among them, three from the Easterhouse Panthers production line in Glasgow, from where new Scotland winger David Scott emerged. 18-year-old Scott, now of Hull KR, is one of five players in the pool who played academy rugby at Super League clubs in 2011: the others are Castleford Tigers' Curtis MacDonald, Leeds Rhinos' Sinclair Matthews, brother of Scotland winger Crawford, Wakefield Trinity's Corbyn Kilday and Wigan Warriors' full-back Shae Lyon-Fraser. Scotland won one and lost one in their earlier games against England Colleges and will be looking to beat the Auld Enemy to conclude the representative season on a high.

SCOTLAND U18s v ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS - Wednesday 9 November

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Depleted Scots go down fighting

2011-11-02T15:39:00.000Z

European Test Series
FRANCE 46 SCOTLAND 10
by Gavin Willacy

A depleted Scotland conceded three tries in the last eight minutes to crash to a 46-10 defeat to France in Perpignan on Saturday afternoon. Fielding an almost second string line-up, Scotland did superbly to trail just 28-10 thanks to a first-half effort by Dave Arnot, the London Skolars centre from Fife, and an 80 metre interception try by debutant Ben Hellewell of Warrington Wolves. Easterhouse Panthers product David Scott, now with Hull FC, converted Hellewell's try superbly from the touchline.

But Scotland's exhausted part-time players - seven of whom have never played senior rugby before -could not cope with France's Super League stars in the closing stages. Dane Chisholm from NRL club Melbourne Storm ran in a hat-trick of tries for the French, while Vincent Duport, Thomas Bosc and Mathias Pala also crossed the Bravehearts' line. Catalans Dragons' Jean-Philippe Baile scored the first two tries, Bosc kicking seven goals from eight attempts.

"The game just went on 20 minutes too long for us," said Scotland skipper Andrew Henderson, who played the whole of the game at hooker. "We were light in the forwards while their pack were big and strong and got over the top of us. But the young blokes should be proud of their efforts."

FRANCE:

Cyril Stacul - Vincent Duport ; Jean-Philippe Baile ; Mathias Pala ; Frédéric Vaccari - Dane Chisholm ; Thomas Bosc - Jamal Fakir ; Kane Bentley ; Rémi Casty - Olivier Elima ; Cyrille Gossard - Jason Baitieri.

Subs:

Maxime Grésèque - Eloi Pelissier - Mickaël Simon - Julian Bousquet.

SCOTLAND:

Alex Hurst - Crawford Matthews ; Ben Hellewell ; Dave Arnot ; David Scott - Lee Paterson ; John Duffy - Neil Lowe ; Andrew Henderson ; Sam Barlow - Josh Barlow ; Paddy Coupar - Alex Szostak.

Subs:

Callum Cockburn - Michael Stewart - Jordan Rice - Nick Broere.

What do you think Scotland should to ensure victory in their next match ? Please let us know what you think on our Facebook Page.

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Defence key to the France game

2011-10-25T09:25:00.000+01:00

This Saturday sees Scotland go to France in the second match for them in the autumn test series, and should see them playing plenty of confidence after a convincing win against the Irish at Scotstoun. This will be no easy place to go for Scotland and should make for tougher opposition than Ireland, however after the positives of the Ireland game, there is no reason why Scotland can't pick up another impressive win.

Two players particularly impressed in the last game and if they can take their form in to the next game, France will need to have a tightly organised defence. Duffy was pivotal in the centre of the park for the Scots, orchestrating the attacks and creating gap after gap, and David Scott picking up a brace showed intelligence in his support play and plenty of pace to help him collect his well earned brace.

Also whereas Ireland could be accused of being wasteful in attack, they were certainly no slouches in defence, producing several last gasp tackles and preventing Scotland from racking up a few more tries, showing that Scotland are certainly capable going forward. However France are likely to be just as enthusiastic going forward and this has the potential to be a high scoring game for both teams, so its up to McCormacks men to stay organised on the field next Saturday, and if they can stifle Frances attack, they could see themselves take an impressive scalp from the world number 5's and establish themselves as strong contenders for the next four nations.

What do you think will be the key to our national side beating France ? Please post your opinions to the Facebook Page.

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Scotland Rugby League launch charity partnership

2011-10-17T10:24:00.000+01:00

Scotland Rugby League has launched a new partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Respectme anti bullying programme.

The partnership which was launched at half time of the Scotland v Ireland Test match on Sunday 16^th October and will see SAMH become the main partner and official charity for Scotland Rugby League and support the growth of the sport through their 'Get Active' programme.

Scotland Rugby League Chairperson, Keith Hogg, said: "Scotland Rugby League is very grateful for the support of SAMH, they are an excellent partner for our sport.

Their 'Get Active' programme will help us to continue to grow grass roots involvement in Rugby League.

We are also very grateful for the support of their "Respectme' programme, we see "Respectme' as the ideal partner for our Schools Rugby League tournament which we believe will grow substantially in the next few years.

Rugby League is a sport that prides itself on its grass roots development and working with SAMH will provide great support in accelerating the positive impact of all this work"

The Respectme brand comes under SAMH and is the Scottish Governments anti bullying programme designed to help professionals in public posts e.g. Teachers deal with bullying issues.

Respectme will be the official partner of the Scotland Rugby League Schools competition, the Saltire Schools Rugby League Tournament. The Tournament will be renamed 'The Saltire Schools Respectme Rugby League Tournament as of the Launch on Sunday.

The Chief Executive of SAMH, Billy Watson said: "SAMH launched our current Get Active programme because we know that taking part in sport and exercise is a great way to look after your mental health.

"So we're delighted to be working with Scotland Rugby League and we hope that the fans will get behind our message on activity and mental health, just as much as they get behind their team!"

The partnership was also welcomed by the RFL's Equality and Diversity Manager, Sarah Williams who said: "I am delighted with, and fully support, the partnership between Scotland Rugby League, Scottish Association of Mental Health and Respectme.

"Rugby League has a proud tradition of being an inclusive and welcoming sport and this partnership will ensure that Scottish Rugby League is well placed to effectively tackle bullying, harassment or discrimination based on an individual's gender, gender identity, rac

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Scotland Triumph Against The Irish

2011-10-17T09:52:00.000+01:00

SCOTLAND 26

IRELAND 6

Gavin Willacy at Scotstoun Stadium

A new-look Scotland deservedly saw off Ireland in Glasgow on Sunday afternoon with a determined and professional performance. They dominated the first half and took their opportunities in the second to get the European Test Series off to a competitive start.

It was Ireland's first visit to Scotland for six years but their tremendous record here - and overall against Scotland of 9 wins and only two defeats - and stronger line-up suggested they would be favourites. Both coaches fielded eight debutants and teams closer resembled the A teams of the past two summers than sides that will play in the 2013 World Cup. However, Scotland always planned for this autumn to be a rare opportunity to blood the youngsters in low-key internationals, knowing many of their big guns would be missing. What they cannot have expected is for every single one of their Super League players to withdraw, leaving them with a 20-man squad without a single full-time player. Scotland's back five had two caps between them!

Both sides did feature experienced and in-form scrum-halves: Championship star Liam Finn captained Ireland while Leigh's John Duffy starred for Scotland, 11 years after his debut: both were central to most of their team's most inventive probing.

Scotland dominated the opening minutes with repeat sets, scoring after three minutes when full-back Alex Hurst touched down John Duffy's grubber kick beneath the posts and converted it himself. Another debut-maker, Jack Stearman of York, dislocated his elbow reaching for the line from Sam Barlow's inventive play and was replaced by Jack Howieson after just 10 minutes. Hurst, a former England Under-16 rugby union international, nearly added another from the next play but the Irish defence held out. Moments later Andrew Henderson, extending his appearance record to 17 caps, belied his 31 years by darting from dummy half to within a foot of the Irish try-line.

Ireland had hardly been out of their half when, after 18 minutes, stand-off Paul Handforth broke down the right, exchanged passes superbly with winger James Haley and sent Finn under the crossbar, Finn equalising with his conversion. Ireland's renaissance was short-lived thanks to the mouth of full-back Greg McNally: a penalty for dissent took the Wolfhounds deep into their own territory and Josh Barlow buried his way over in the right corner from close range for a debut try.

Ireland gifted Scotland their third try 90 seconds into the second-half, Handforth's loose pass on halfway being scooped up by Paddy Coupar who raced 50 metres to score but Hurst surprisingly sliced his simple-looking conversion wide.

The tight contest continued, blighted by handling errors which kept the completion rate by both sides low. When the ball did stick, Scotland scored again, Paterson sweeping the ball left where Glaswegian teenager David Scott, now with Hull KR, raced away down the touchline and dived over for his debut try. He missed the conversion himself but will not care too much about that.

He enjoyed his second try in the last moments even more, swallow-diving over the line after his sheer pace had seen him finish off Arnot and Hurst's good work down the left. He curled over the conversion with the last kick off the game to complete a deserved win for the Bravehearts.

"I'm delighted with the victory and the performance," said victorious coach McCormack. "The blend of debutants and younger players with our senior players was excellent. We went out there as a team and that has been the case for years - it showed in the training camp and it showed today. David Scott will get the headlines and rightly so with that performance - he has enormous potential. It's testament to the work put in with the development team and player pathway we have created. The number of debutants we have brought through over the last couple of years and the performance they put on today makes a lot of people proud. Today is the start of something for these lads.

"We talked about our long term goals as a group this week and they all know the World Cup will come round soon. We used Paddy Coupar as an example to the young lads - he came in at a late stage and played in the World Cup and today was his eighth cap. But for the young lads to step into that environment today and play like that is superb."

SCOTLAND
Alex Hurst 7
Crawford Matthews 7
Josh Barlow 7
Dave Arnot 6
David Scott 7
Lee Paterson 7
John Duffy 8
Jack Stearman 5
Andrew Henderson 7
Neil Lowe 6
Sam Barlow 8
Paddy Coupar 6
Alex Szostak 7
Subs:
Jack Howieson 6
Callum Cockburn 6
Mike Stewart 6
Giles Lomax 5

Tries: Hurst 4, J Barlow 25, Coupar 42, Scott 62,39.
Goals: Hurst 1/3, Scott 2/3.

IRELAND
Greg McNally 6
James Haley 7
Ian Cross 6
Elliot Cosgrove 6
Joe Taylor 6
Paul Handforth 7
Liam Finn 8
Paddy Boyle 7
Bob Beswick 7
Kyle Amor 6
Lemeki Vunipulu 7
Ged Corcoran 7
Tyrone McCarthy 6
Subs:
Sean Carmody 5
Paddy Barcoe 6
Callum Casey 6
Aaron McCloskey 5

Tries: Finn 10

Goals: Finn 1/1

Ref Rating: Steve Ganson 85/100
HT: 10-6 / Pens: ?-? / Weather: sunny but cool. / Sin Bin: None / Sent Off: None / MOTM: John Duffy (Scotland) / Attendance: 802 / Match Rating 3/5.

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The moment you've all been waiting for...

2011-10-06T17:09:00.002+01:00

We know you have all been waiting anxiously for the unveiling of the new Scotland Rugby League kit. Well we are delighted to announce that the time is finally here, and the kit is ready to go !

Here we would like to officially welcome you to the Scotland Rugby League online store. With our new partners O'neill's we have created a range of Scotland Rugby League team wear and training kit, as well as other items we think you will link.

Should you see an item you like, all you have to do is follow the simple onscreen instructions for costs, delivery, and payment, and then you sit back and wait for your brand new kit to arrive.

Full range of kit to view and buy HERE now

With the Scotland v. Ireland match coming up, we think the tartan army will look great taking to the pitch in their new jerseys. If you want to see the boys play in there new jerseys, make sure you use the discount code - FACEBOOKRL - you will then receive £5 when purchasing your tickets for the match.

We are very happy to announce O'neill's as our partners, they are a quality brand and Scotland rugby League are proud to be associated with them, and we hope you will like and enjoy their products as much as we do. Happy shopping everyone !

So tell us what you think ! We really want to hear your feedback on the new Scotland kit, so please feel free to tell us YOUR views on it, and post your comments to our Facebook Page.

We look forward to hearing what you have to say.

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Or maybe in the backs ?

2011-10-05T11:53:00.002+01:00

With the upcoming Scotland v. Ireland game, after having a look at the muscle in our squad, we decided to have a look at who could provide the bit of magic for Scotland to get us some points on the board.

Gareth Moore
Wakefield Trinity
3 caps

Moore is a great young prospect at half back. Having came through the Leeds Rhinos academy, he found himself at Batley where he established himself as a great young talent, a Northern Rail cup winner and an effective kicker. Many times it has been Moores boot that has been the difference between winning and loosing games, and this ability could be called upon at Scotstoun if given the chance

Brett Carter
Workington Town
1 cap

Young town full back Carter is certainly more than capable of slotting into the attacking line, picking up an impressive 7 tries in Championship one in Workingtons latest campaign which saw his impressive performances help Workington get to an unfortunately unsuccessful playoff final. Hopefully Carter can bring his turn of pace back over the border for the France game.

Dave Arnot
London Skolars
2 caps

Arnot is another Scottish player to rack up 7 tries this season on the wing, second on the try scoring list for Skolars to the prolific Adebisi. The hard working Fife lad who has already scored 2 tries and picked up the man of the match in a Scotland A game last year will hopefully have his try scoring boots on as he looks to add to his Scotland tally and establish himself as a regular

Callum Cockburn
Edinburgh Eagles
Uncapped

Cockburn picked up an impressive 7 tries in 8 games last season, which has led to the Eagles player hoping to pick up his first cap during the autumn tests, and stands every chance in a squad full of home grown talent. Given the chance Cockburn is sure to make an impact on the game and the inspiration of playing in front of a packed home crowd could be enough motivation to get a performance.

What do you think ? we would love to hear your opinions on our squad for our next game against Ireland. Have we missed anyone out ? Who is your favourite in the Scotland backs ? Please let us know what you think on our Facebook Page.

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Scots Raring To Go In Grand Finals

2011-10-05T09:40:00.001+01:00

There will be no Scots playing in the Super League Grand Final next Saturday night at Old Trafford but, while most of Scotland's squad are enjoying a couple of weeks rest between the end of the club season and the international programme, this Sunday will see a group of Scottish internationals in cup final action, one in the biggest game in world club rugby - union or league.Scotland's most capped internationalist Andrew Henderson will play for Sheffield Eagles against favourites Featherstone Rovers in Sunday's Co-operative Championship Grand Final, the British's game's second tier finale, alongside club and country team-mates Jack Howieson, Alex Szostak and Mitchell Stringer. A few hours earlier, 12,000 miles away in front of 80,000 at Sydney's Olympic Stadium, their Scotland colleague Michael Robertson will play for Manly Sea Eagles against the New Zealand Warriors in the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final. It doesn't get any bigger than that.

"It would mean a lot to me personally to win the Championship, but more so for the club," says Henderson, who is again in the Scotland squad to face Ireland and France later this month. "Since arriving at Sheffield, I've really bought into the club's ethos and what they stand for. I feel what they have done since reforming 10 years ago is remarkable. They have had a long term vision to return to Super League and have took one step at a time, building a lot of infrastructure off the field and slowly improving on field performances. It would be the icing on the cake to win the Grand Final."

Sheffield have been outsiders throughout the play-off series, shocking Widnes and Leigh with superb wins in the last fortnight. Now they must do it again, and turn over the team that has led the division all season.

"We've always believed we were capable of achieving something this season, but our league form wasn't as consistent as we would have liked. But we've peaked at the business end and the boys are playing with confidence. Everyone is working hard for each other and really excited about the Grand Final. No-one gave us a cat in hell's chance of playing in the Grand Final this week let alone win the first play-off against Widnes, who we had never beaten before in the Championship until that night."

The number of Scotland internationals at Sheffield has grown over the last two years, with hooker Henderson and second-row forward Szostak joining Eagles' stalwart props Howieson and Stringer. "In some ways we've got a little group within a group but we have a fantastic team spirit here," explained Henderson, whose family are from Possil in Glasgow. "There are no cliques or egos, which is one of the reasons we're in the position we are."

Henderson, Howieson, Stringer and Szostak are all in Steve McCormack's provisional 28-man Scotland squad for the autumn internationals, but Robertson is missing. The Australian-born star is remaining in Sydney to finish his career with Manly on the biggest stage before moving to London in November to join Harlequins RL. Robertson's last appearance in the NRL Grand Final saw him score a hat-trick for Manly in their 2008 triumph.

Not that the Eagles' Saltire quartet - squad numbers 8 to 11 - have had chance to think about Scotland yet.

"I'm looking forward to Ireland and France if selected for the final 20-man squad as I love representing Scotland," said Henderson, whose Super League brothers Ian (Catalan Dragons) and Kevin (Wakefield Trinity) who have both been left out of the squad. "But my focus is purely on the Eagles at the moment and hopefully winning a Grand Final on Sunday. Once that's over I will have a few days down time, then focus on my commitments to Scotland and building towards a successful Test series."

There will be no Valvoline Cup Grand Final for Scotland newcomer Darryl Clark or Under-18 international Curtis McDonald as their Castleford Tigers Under-20s side was beaten in the semi-final by Warrington Wolves. They face Wigan Warriors, who feature Scottish full-back Shae Fraser-Lyon, in the reserves' final.

REMEMBER to get your tickets for the 2011 Annual awards dinner !! Tickets are £40 per head and includes a free ticket for the Scotland vs. Ireland test series international the next day at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Members of the Scottish national side and their management team will be in attendance for what should be a fantastic evening.

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'Players' Player of the Year 2011 - You decide

2011-10-03T12:43:00.002+01:00

Scotland Rugby League would like you, the players, supporters, followers of rugby league in Scotland to have a say in a few of the awards for the forthcoming Awards Dinner on Saturday 15th October. We are looking for you all to nominate someone from the National Youth League’s (both the U’15’s and U’17’s), Division 1 and the Premier Division as the Players’ Player of the Year 2011. This is your chance to have a say in all four of these awards!

We have taken nominations from all of the teams involved and some of the key people within the Scotland Rugby League set-up and produced a list on nominees for you to choose from. Simply click on the like button on who you would like to vote for in each category on our Facebook page. The categories will be posted separately so you can have a vote in each. You can only vote for the player of your choice once.

To vote please go to our Facebook page and "like" the player you would like to win here.

Anyone can vote as long as they “like” the Scotland Rugby League Facebook page, so get all your friends and family to join in. The voting will close at 5pm on Monday 10th October.

Tickets are still available for the Awards Dinner at Jury’s Inn in Glasgow, priced £40 per head. This includes a 3 course meal and entertainment, as well as a ticket for the Scotland v Ireland Test International at Scotstoun Stadium the next day. You can get your tickets below by using the Paypal button. Otherwise you can send a cheque made out to Scotland Rugby League Ltd to Scotland Rugby League (Awards), Caledonia House, 1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ. Just mark the address you want the tickets sent to on the back of the cheque along with a contact phone number.

Everyone’s support for this event is vital so we can grow the event and continue it in years to come. Every penny that is made from activities like this goes straight back into developing the game in Scotland. Your support is greatly appreciated and will help make this great game we all love bigger and better in Scotland.

Click the button below to buy yours today

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Scotland Launches Wheelchair Rugby League

2011-10-03T11:19:00.001+01:00

Glasgow staged Scotland's first all day Wheelchair Rugby League event last weekend.

Whitehall Secondary School staged the event thanks to the generous support of Councillor Frank Docherty, who himself took part in the action.

Scotland Development Manager Mark Senter was in attendance along with six other coaches to help support the event and assist the participants gain an understanding of the rules of the game.

Following the five hour session the participants were able to demonstrate they all clearly had developed the fundamental skills to play the game and played in a formal match for over 80 minutes.

The project's goals are to development and support a National Scottish Tag Rugby League Team, with the aim to represent Scotland in the planned Four Nations Tag Wheelchair Rugby League Competition, planned for summer 2012.

"It was extremely satisfying from both a coaching and observing roles that the Scottish players put their hearts and souls into the event" said Scotland Team Manager Adrian Kennedy.

"They have the passion and drive to become a national force to be reckoned with. They have the talent to create a national team to promote the game of Tag Wheelchair Rugby."

Further events are planned, along with organising regular training sessions at a central venue. For more information on becoming involved in the project, please contact:

Mark Senter

Tel: 07764 627252

Adrian Kennedy

Tel: 07577 709600

REMEMBER to get your tickets for the 2011 Annual awards dinner !! Tickets are £40 per head and includes a free ticket for the Scotland vs. Ireland test series international the next day at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Members of the Scottish national side and their management team will be in attendance for what should be a fantastic evening.

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Could it be won in the Pack ?

2011-09-30T12:14:00.000+01:00

With the Autumn international matches coming up, we thought we would take a look at some of the Scotland squad's key players. Below we have listed four of our team, who we think will be very influential in leading Scotland to victory in the upcoming games.

Andrew Henderson
Caps- 16
Club- Sheffield Eagles

Seasoned Pro Henderson has clocked up well over 200 hundred club games in his career and brings heaps of experience, having played at the highest level in super league. Even if playing time is limited, Henderson’s experience back room influence could be vital.

Jack Howieson
Caps- 9
Club- Sheffield Eagles

Sheffield Stalwart and club captain is another player with heaps of experience playing high level rugby league. Recently involved in Sheffield’s shock win against Leigh Centurions, hopefully the no nonsense Prop can take his end of season form into the Autumn internationals, and provide some big hit ups and surging runs in the middle of the park, and help drive Scotland forward.

Paul Jackson
Caps- 4
Club- Castleford

Another influential member of the Scotland pack. Jackson has racked up over 20 appearances in Super League this season, and having spent virtually his whole career at the top, means Jackson will be used to facing world class opposition, meaning his big match experience should help steady the squad and inspire some of the players just entering the Scotland national team

Daryl Clark
Caps- Uncapped
Club- Castleford

Youngster Daryl Clark is one of the most exciting prospects named on the squad list. At the age of only 18 the young hooker has already picked up the clubs under 20’s player of the year award and earned comparisons to James Roby in terms of his killer instinct. With 7 tries in 18 appearances for the Tigers, this youngster certainly knows his way to the try line, and that Hunger could see him score his first of many tries for Scotland.

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Scotland Rugby League round up !

2011-09-29T16:43:00.000+01:00

As most of you will we now have tickets on sale for the Annual Awards Dinner, so we would love for you to come and join us at the inaugural Awards Dinner to recognise the best players, teams, and volunteers in rugby league in Scotland - from the professional game to grass roots and community level.

What you may not know is that when you purchase your ticket for the awards, you will receive a ticket for the Scotland v. Ireland match for FREE ! However if you can't make the awards, we are offering a £5 discount to all of our Facebook friends. all you have to do is "Like" the Facebook Page and get your discount code, which you enter when purchasing your tickets.

We also have another offer running on our Facebook Page, because we love all of our Facebook friends, we have decided to give you the chance to win two tickets to the
Engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford. This competition consists of you posting your funniest rugby league stories to the Facebook Page, and getting your friends to "Like" your story. To view the full details of this competition, please click here.

Finally, to finish off our quick round up, we know that you have all been very anxious to know when the new Scotland kit will be unveiled. We have decided that the kit will first be shown on the Scotland Rugby League Facebook Page, and this will be happening in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our page, you don't want to miss it !

Are you as excited as we are ?

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Scotland Under 18 squad announced

2011-09-29T09:33:00.000+01:00

New Scotland Under-18 coach Alan Davidson has selected a 26-man squad to prepare for the game against England on 9 November. Scotland include 13 players from nine different clubs or colleges across the domestic scene, plus David Scott of Hull KR who is a product of Easterhouse Panthers, alongside 12 English-based players who came through the 'Exiles' trial system.

Among the most experienced players are Wigan Warriors' reserve full-back Shae Fraser-Lyon, Curtis McDonald who is playing for Castleford Tigers in the Under-20 Play-Offs, Leeds Rhinos' Sinclair Matthews and Wakefield Trinity youngster Corbyn Kilday. Scotland play in the Regional Carnival at Leeds on 15 October before facing England Community Lions at Hull in November.

Pictured: successful Exile trialists Owen Wedgwood, Martin McNiven, Corbyn Kilday.

SCOTLAND UNDER-18 TRAIN-ON SQUAD

Jamie Mcillroy (Aberdeen Grammar), Fraser Maddox (Aberdeen Warriors / Aberdeen Grammar School), Stephen Connolly (Angus Colts), Thomas Henry (Ayr Knights), Curtis McDonald (Castleford Tigers), Miles Flanagan (Cottingham Tigers / Hull College), Travis Jones (East Hull / Hull KR / Wilberforce College), Craig Fairfield, Daryl Love, Derek McNeil, Louis Senter (Easterhouse Panthers / Cumbernauld College), Owen Wedgwood (Featherstone Lions / Balby Carr Community Sports College), Dan Turland (Gateshead Storm / Whickham Sixth Form College), Sam Herron (Grangemouth), David Scott (Hull KR), Sinclair Matthews (Leeds Rhinos / Heaton Manor Sixth Form), Louie Sutherland (London Skolars / Southgate College), Frank Barlow (Northampton Demons), Cameron Brown (Robert Gordons College), Alasdair McDougall-Stone (Sheffield Eagles / All Saints Catholic High School), Martin McNiven (Stanningley / Leeds City College of Technology), Johnny Bain (Strathallan School), Gareth Johns, Fraser Smeaton (Telford College), Corbyn Kilday (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats / Outwood Grange Academy), Shae Fraser-Lyon (Wigan Warriors)

REMEMBER to get your tickets for the 2011 Annual awards dinner !! Tickets are £40 per head and includes a free ticket for the Scotland vs. Ireland test series international the next day at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Members of the Scottish national side and their management team will be in attendance for what should be a fantastic evening.

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Autumn Test squads announced

2011-09-28T16:06:00.000+01:00

The squads have been announced for the Autumn European Test Series between France, Ireland and Scotland. All three are looking to blood newcomers with the 2013 World Cup on the horizon. Seventeen of Bobbie Goulding's 30-man squad are from engage Super League side Catalan Dragons including boom teenage hooker Eloi Pelissier (pictured), one of 11 debutants.

"It's a strong squad," said Goulding, who took over in 2009 and has seen his French side compete in a Four Nations and last year's European Cup where they lost out narrowly to the Welsh. "It's a squad that can play, and we have to compete in all our matches," he continued. Goulding's men will also face England Knights for the first time in the autumn and the former Great Britain scrum-half is under no illusion as to the threat they will pose. "The Knights players have over 1200 Super League games between them. Ten players have appeared in the Challenge Cup final or the Super League Grand Final so it's going to be tough."

The core of Les Bleus have been together for a while but another exciting newcomer is Melbourne stand-off Dane Chisolm, who qualifies through his mother and will head to Europe once the Storm's season is over. "He'll swim over if he has to," said Goulding, expressing the youngster's enthusiasm to join the French ranks. "He's being chased by the Catalans, North Queensland and Wakefield, he's a real talent. He can play anywhere in the backs and has got all the skills."

There are 13 uncapped players in the Irish squad including St Helens youngster Nathan Ashe, Leeds Rhinos prop Kyle Amor - who has been on loan with Wakefield - and the Wildcats' Stuart Howarth. Alongside them, the likes of Aaron McCloskey and Ian Cross, who have signed with St Helens from the Irish domestic competition, are given their bow alongside North Dublin Eagle Joe Taylor who has trialled at Harlequins and Leeds.

Newly appointed Ireland coach Mark Aston, who will make his debut in the competition commented, "We are looking forward to the challenges ahead of us this year. The squad is a good mix of domestic players, new young players and some experience to guide the team along the way. The experience will come from championship duo Bob Beswick and Liam Finn who have 30 caps between them and have been an integral part of the Wolfhounds since the 2008 World Cup. I will be looking for both do the same in our lead up to the next one."

Scotland have named 16 uncapped players in their squad with Castleford's exciting teenage hooker Daryl Clark and Wakefield centre Josh Griffin among just five faces totally new to the Scotland set-up. Clark's team mate 18-year-old Ben Blackmore, Josh Barlow of Halifax and Swinton's former England U16s rugby union full-back Alex Hurst are the other new recruits, w the other 11 uncapped players who having appeared for Scotland at lower levels.

Clark made an explosive start to his Super League career earlier this year, drawing plaudits from experts throughout the game and also highly rated is Oxford-born Griffin, younger brother of England prop Darrell. Clark's Castleford team-mate Paul Jackson brings a decade of Super League nous to the squad, while young Wakefield half-back Gareth Moore returns after missing last year's campaign.

With Danny Brough selected by England and Ben Fisher having an off-season operation, McCormack looks set to return to his successful 2009 creative unit, with Gareth Moore, John Duffy and record cap winner Andrew Henderson in the pivot roles. The squad is further evidence of the work being done by Scotland Rugby League's development team. Nine of them have played for Scotland ‘A', eight have donned the shirt for Scotland Students and Hull FC pair Chad McGlame and Crawford Matthews and Hull KR flier David Scott are all stepping up from Scotland Under-18s. Former Easterhouse Panthers products McGlame and Scott are among five players in the party who learned to play rugby league in Scotland. The squad will go into camp at Heriot-Watt University the week before playing Ireland at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

RLEF AUTUMN EUROPEAN TEST SERIES

Scotland v Ireland - Sunday October 16 - Scotstoun, Glasgow (2pm)
France v Scotland - Saturday October 29 - Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan (3pm)
Ireland v France - Saturday November 5 - Thomond Park, Limerick (8pm)

IRELAND SQUAD

Liam Harrison (Barrow Raiders), George Flanagan (Batley Bulldogs), Damien Blanch (Catalan Dragons), Elliott Cosgrove (Dewsbury Rams), Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers), Ryan Fieldhouse, James Haley, Paul Handforth, Bob Beswick (Halifax RLFC), Jamie O'Callaghan, Jason Golden (Harlequins RL), Gregg McNally (Huddersfield Giants), Luke Ambler, Kyle Amor, Callum Casey (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Taylor (North Dublin Eagles), Paddy Boyle (Oxford RL), Nathan Ashe, Aaron McCloskey, Ian Cross (St Helens), Sean Gleeson, Ryan Boyle (Salford City Reds), Vinny Finnigan, Tim Bergin (Sheffield Eagles), Ged Corcoran (Toulouse), Lemeki Vaipulu (Treaty City Titans), Stewart Howarth (Wakfield Trinity Wildcats), Tyrone McCarthy (Warrington Wolves), Kurt Hegarty, Simon Finnegan (Widnes Vikings)

FRANCE SQUAD

Olivier Arnaud (Avignon), Olivier Elima (Bradford), Romaric Bemba, Teddy Sadaoui (AS Carcassonne), Thibaut Ancely, Jean Philippe Baile, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Remi Casty, Vincent Duport, Jamal Fakir, Tony Gigot, Cyril Gossard, Eloi Pelissier, Mickael Simon, Cyril Stacul, Frederic Vaccari (Dragons Catalans), Andrew Bentley, Kane Bentley, Julian Bousquet, Damien Cardace, Florian Quintilla, Mickael Tribillac (FC Lezignan), Maxime Herold (Limoux), Dane Chisolm (Melbourne Storm), Maxime Greseque (SM Pia), Thibaud Margalet (St Esteve XIII Catalan), Kevin Larroyer, Gregory White (Toulouse Olympique).

SCOTLAND SQUAD

NAME - CLUB - CAPS:

Dave Arnot - London Skolars - 2 caps
Josh Barlow - Halifax - uncapped
Sam Barlow - Halifax - 3 caps
Ben Blackmore - Castleford Tigers - uncapped
Nick Broere - Edinburgh Eagles - uncapped
Brett Carter - Workington Town - 1 cap
Daryl Clark - Castleford Tigers - uncapped
Callum Cockburn - Edinburgh Eagles - uncapped
Paddy Coupar - Edinburgh Eagles - 7 caps
John Duffy - Leigh Centurions - 10 caps
Josh GriffinWakefield Trinity - uncapped
Andrew Henderson - Sheffield Eagles - 16 caps
Jack Howieson - Sheffield Eagles - 9 caps
Alex HurstSwinton - Lions - uncapped
Paul JacksonCastleford - Tigers - 4 caps
Giles LomaxEdinburgh - Eagles - uncapped
Neil LoweHunslet - Hawks - 14 caps
Chad McGlame - Hull FC - uncapped
Brad Massey - Coventry Bears - uncapped
Crawford Matthews - Hull FC - uncapped
Gareth Moore - Wakefield Trinity - 3 caps
Lee Paterson - Swinton Lions - 8 caps
Jordan Rice - York City Knights - uncapped
David Scott - Hull KR - uncapped
Jack Stearman - York City Knights - uncapped
Mike Stewart - Lincoln City - uncapped
Mitch Stringer - Sheffield Eagles - 6 caps
Alex Szostak - Sheffield Eagles - 11 caps

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Win tickets to the Grand Final

2011-09-28T11:37:00.001+01:00

Because we love all of our Facebook friends, we have decided to give you the chance to win two tickets to the Engage Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford

All you have to do, is post your funniest Rugby League story to our Facebook Page, this can be from training, while attending or playing matches or on tour. Once you have posted your story to the Scotland Rugby League page, you have to invite your friends to "Like" the page, and then to "Like" your post on our wall. The story with the most "Likes" will win the tickets.

The winner will be announced on Tuesday 4th October - 5pm. We will be not be accepting entries after the closing time, so be sure to get yours in early and remember to invite your friends to "Like" your story. Good luck !

Details for the match are as follows:

Engage Super League Grand Final

Kick Off - 6.00pm

Saturday 8th October

Sir Matt Busby Way

Old Trafford

Manchester

M16 0RA

Have your purchased your tickets for the 2011 Scotland Rugby League Awards Dinner yet ?

Tickets are £40 per head and includes a free ticket for the Scotland vs. Ireland test series international the next day at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Members of the Scottish national side and their management team will be in attendance for what should be a fantastic evening.

Saturday 15th October

07:30pm

Jury's Inn

Jamaica Street

Glasgow

We will have a 3 course dinner, followed by the awards presentation, a raffle and auction, and to finish the evening off a disco. Players, friends, family and fans are all welcome.

As with everything we do at Scotland Rugby League, all the proceeds from the dinner will be ploughed straight back into the game, so come and support the event and support the game in Scotland at the same time!

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Scotland Squad to showcase Scottish development.

2011-09-28T09:49:00.000+01:00

Steve McCormack has named the Scotland squad for the upcoming Autumn tests and it has a far more “Scottish” feel to it, than squads of previous years, with a lot of players having previously been selected through the grandparent rule. The numbers speak for themselves with 11 players coming into the team, having represented Scotland at lower levels, and with 5 of the players having actually played in the Scottish amateur leagues, learning their trade this side of the border.

This is an indicator to the great progress that Scotland Rugby League is making, and with the increasing popularity and amount of rugby league teams in Scotland, more home grown players are starting to make their way into the national team, and also beginning to filter into the Super League academy systems. Whereas there is no doubting the commitment and passion of previous players who previously represented Scotland due to their heritage, it could be the home grown heroes who shine during theses test matches.

The ones who have dreamed of pulling on a Jersey since they first picked up that ball, at a training session for Easterhouse, or Edinburgh, where the passion may burn a little brighter for them when they exit the tunnel for the first time to represent their country. These could be the players that see Scotland make a real impact at these Autumn tests and begin to show the rugby league world what their players are capable of.

So get down to Scotstoun on October the 16th and get and support the national team against France !!

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Edinburgh Eagles show RESPECT

2011-09-14T09:25:00.000+01:00

Edinburgh Eagles qualify Touchline Managers...

A RESPECT presentation was held at Edinburgh Eagles ARLFC last week with the evening revolving around RFL's RESPECT programme, which is a code of conduct for players, coaches, match officials, spectators and volunteers within the game of rugby league.

The evening was presented by Peter Wharton the RFL's Match Officials Development Officer for the region, the evening also included qualifying the attendees as Touchline Managers.

With the conclusion of the evening all in attendance had a better understanding of what their roles and responsibilities they have within the game of rugby league.

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Scotland Rugby League Awards Dinner 2011

2011-09-13T13:03:00.005+01:00

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE AWARDS DINNER
Tickets now on Sale

Come and join us at the inaugural Awards Dinner to recognise the best players, teams, and volunteers in rugby league in Scotland - from the professional game to grass roots and community level.

Tickets are £40 per head and includes a free ticket for the Scotland vs. Ireland test series international the next day at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. Members of the Scottish national side and their management team will be in attendance for what should be a fantastic evening.

Saturday 15th October

07:30pm

Jury's Inn

Jamaica Street

Glasgow

Click the button below to buy yours today

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Great discount for all of our Facebook friends !

2011-09-06T11:06:00.000+01:00

We will be offering all of our Facebook friends a great discount for purchasing tickets for the upcoming Scotland vs. Ireland match at Scotstoun Stadium.

The process is simple, all you have to do is "Like" the Scotland Rugby League Facebook Page, click on the "Scotland vs. Ireland" tab, get your code and follow the step by step guide when purchasing your tickets.

We would love to hear about your experiences from the match, so please post any funny stories that may have happened at the game, or if you want to upload pictures from the day to the page, please feel free to do so.

Here are the details for the match, we hope you have a great day, enjoy !

Kick off 2pm

Sunday, October 16th

Scotstoun Stadium

Scotstoun Leisure Centre

72 Danes Drive

Glasgow

G14 9HD

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Wheelchair Rugby League Launch

2011-09-06T10:14:00.000+01:00

Scotland Rugby League to Launch Wheelchair Rugby League in Glasgow's East End.

Scotland Rugby League in partnership with the West of Scotland Wheelchair Sports Club, Easterhouse Panthers Amateur Rugby League Club, Glasgow City Council and the RFL will launch Wheelchair Rugby League on:

Saturday 24th September 2011

Whitehill Secondary School

280 Onslow Drive

Dennistoun

Glasgow

G31 2QF

Wheelchair rugby league is a version of wheelchair rugby based expressly on rugby league. It was developed by French rugby league player, coach and official, Robert Fassolette in 2004. Unlike other wheelchair sports people without disabilities are allowed to compete in top level competition. The Sport has been officially recognised by Sportscotland.

The aim of the session is to introduce the game of Wheelchair Rugby League to anyone who wishes to try the sport out, the day will commence at 10am and is a come and try day that will consist of skills/drills culminating in a small tournament finishing at 3pm.

There will be other sessions following this inaugural event that will run on a monthly basis.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact Mark Senter (Scotland Rugby League National Development Manager) in the first instance to ensure a place.

Email Mark

Tel: 07764627252

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Eagles to take on Hawks

2011-09-01T16:24:00.000+01:00

Edinburgh head south for Semi - Final

The Scottish Rugby League Conference Champions the Edinburgh Eagles are to head south this Sunday in the Rugby League Conference Premier Semi Final where they will play Parkside Hawks (Hunslet).

The Eagles, undefeated in 2011 will take on an impressive Hawks outfit that will be aiming to clip the Eagles wings in what is expected to be a close encounter. Edinburgh were drawn against Peterlee Pumas in the quarter final stages of the National Competition and were the first Scottish team to progress past that stage.

Should the Eagles progress into the Final they will be playing either Accrington & Leyland Warriors or Hammersmith Hill Hoists in Coventry on the 11th September.

Edinburgh are delighted to have progressed this far.

"It's been a big couple of weeks for the club, we regained the Scottish Title and have gone unbeaten in the domestic competition which was one of our goals for the 2011 season. To progress into the national competition and to be the first Scottish team to progress this far is great for not only the club but rugby league in Scotland. Hopefully we can pull out another win out of the bag. I didn't think we played particularly well against Peterlee in the last round but we've been working on the elements where we went wrong and hopefully the boys will put that into use."

Edinburgh Eagles vs. Parkside Hawks

2:00pm Kick Off

Sunday 4th September at

Winlaton RFC, Axwell View, Blaydon on Tyne, NE21 6NF

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Under 16's Pull Of Another Great Victory!

2011-08-22T16:29:00.002+01:00

Under 16's Take European Title

Scotland Under-16s have pulled off a shock triumph to win the European Youth Rugby League Festival, beating Russia 14-0 in the final in Germany this afternoon. Scotland, coached by former Scotland international and Castleford Tigers full-back Jason Flowers, reached the final with a 22-4 win over the host nation in Baden-Württemberg on Friday. Russia had beaten Serbia in their semi-final. It is success at the first attempt for Flowers' newly-formed squad, which is the culmination of the recently-launched Scotland Rugby League Player Development Centre.

The victory continues an outstanding August for Scottish rugby league, with Scotland A finishing runners-up in the Four Nations Championship and Scotland Under-18s beating England Colleges.

Scotland U16 squad: Ewan Grindley, Gavin Reed, Mitchell Scott, Carwyn Walker (all Aberdeen Spartans); George Watt (Deeside); Gary Doherty, Jason Haggarty, Fraser Mctaggart, Stephen Sleery (all Easterhouse Panthers); Gregor Ramsay, Calum Rennie, Craig Reid (all Falkirk Romans); Connor Edwards, Andrew Pollock (both Fife); Sinclair Matthews (Jarrow Vikings and Leeds Rhinos Academy); Daniel Godfrey, Cameron Hughes (both Moray Titans); Ryan McKeown, Kristofer Walker (both Victoria Knights); Craig Allan (Wallsend Eagles)

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Scotland Rugby League Volunteer Vacancies

2011-08-18T10:50:00.001+01:00

A unique opportunity has arisen within Scotland Rugby League for positions within the Regional Player Development Centres in the North of Scotland and in the Central Belt of Scotland.

We are currently looking for volunteer coaches, strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists to work within the Regional Player Development Centre environment at both Under 15 and Under 16 age groups.

The PDC will run from 1st October 2011 - 26th November 2011 and then again from 3rd March 2012 - 28th April 2012 before forming the National Centre.

Please see the adverts and job descriptions below for North and Central positions.

NORTH - PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ADVERTS:

North Coaches
North Strength and Conditioning Coaches
North Physiotherapists / Sports First Aiders

Job Descriptions:

Job Description - North Head Coach
Job Description - North Assistant Coach
please note there are no job descriptions for North Strength and Conditioners or Physiotherapists

CENTRAL - PLAYER DEVELOPMENT CENTRE ADVERTS:

Central Coaches
Central Strength and Conditioning Coaches
Central Physiotherapists / Sports First Aiders

Job Descriptions:

Job Description - Central Head Coach
Job Description - Central Assistant Coach
please note there are no job descriptions for Central Strength and Conditioners or Physiotherapists

CLOSING DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: FRIDAY 2nd SEPTEMBER

INTERVIEW DATES:
CENTRAL - MONDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2011
NORTH - TUESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER 2011

If you are interested in work experience with a Scottish Governing body, have a look at the adverts below and submit your CV stating what position you are applying for directly to:

srl.development@rfl.uk.com

or alternatively post to:

PDC - Scotland Rugby League

Caledonia House

1 Redheughs Rigg, South Gyle

Edinburgh

EH12 9DQ.

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Scotland Clinch Second Place With Victory Over Ireland

2011-08-15T11:25:00.000+01:00

SCOTLAND WIN FINAL MATCH TO CLAIM SECOND PLACE

Ireland kicked off to Scotland in the final match of the 2011 Amateur Four Nations, in what was to be the second thrilling encounter of the day at Scotstoun Stadium after Scotland Rugby League's Under 18 squad disposed of England Colleges Under 19's by 14 - 12. Scotland 'A' required a 3 point win to finish second in the Amateur Four Nations which they finished off in style to defeat the Wolfhounds by 26 - 18.

Mike Stewart broke down the far flank and offloaded to Mark Greenwood who was held up in the tackle and Ireland recovered possession. Ireland received a penalty after the kick through Scotland playing the ball in an offside position which gave them a platform to mount their attack. Quick line speed by Dom Pullen forced an error from the Irish Centre and Scotland was awarded a penalty for offside. The Scots worked well up field before being halted at their own line.

Some skilful play by Grodynski released Greenwood down the wing before offloading to Stewart who half broke before Parkinson received the ball wide and slid over for the score. Grodynski converted putting Scotland into a 6 - 0 lead.

Ireland began their attack in the Scottish half but was thwarted through resilient defence led by Scotland's Dave Vernon. Ireland was awarded a penalty and Aaron McCloskey led the charge crashing over the Scottish line to score. Carmody added the extras to level the scores at 6 - 6.

Scotland worked out of their 20 metre area before Grodynski kicked long. Vernon led the chase that took down Taylor just outside the Irish 20. Scotland conceded a penalty in their own half that left them desperately scrambling and it was Vernon who came up with the goods intercepting the Irish pass but was brought down.

As the Irish attacked the Scots defence put pressure on them and forced the Irish wing into touch but a loose carry from McNee left the Scots defending deep in their own half. The defence forced the error from the Irish centre and Scotland regained possession. Coupar kicked long. Taylor broke the defensive line but was brought down in a quick scramble from Jarvis.

Scotland attacked erratically down the left flank but couldn't penetrate the defensive line. Ireland elected to kick early and kicked long which left Broere with a difficult bounce but he gathered and half broke through the middle of the park.

Ireland moved up field through Carmody and Boyle with some good handling play from Flanagan, Ireland had a chance down the close wing as Parkhill received the ball a forward pass was awarded letting the Scots off the hook. Grodynski kicked the ball long which bounced over the dead ball line but Ireland infringed on the 20 restart and Scotland were awarded a penalty which allowed second rower Mike Stewart the opportunity to break the Irish line and dive over for the score, Grodynski' kick was unsuccessful leaving the score 10 - 6 in Scotland's favour.

Ireland threatened in attack through Mulhern and Barcoe but was unable to breach the Scottish defence before the halftime break.

HALF TIME

SCOTLAND 10 - 6 SCOTLAND

Scotland restarted the second half, Coupar took the ball in before offloading to Vernon who split the Irish defence and managed to offload to the supporting Mike Stewart to race in for his second score of the day. Grodynski converted to give Scotland a 16 - 6 lead.

From the restart, Scotland conceded a penalty that allowed Irelands' Barcoe a chance out wide but it was Callum Cockburn knocked on in an attempt to intercept. Ireland had an overlap but strong defence from Parkinson and Broere forced Ireland to miss the pass and Scotland recovered possession.

Grodynski passed the ball to Mcnee who shipped the ball wide that unleashed Dom Pullen who outpaced the Irish defence to score in the corner. Grodynski conversion attempt bounced off the crossbar to further increase Scotland's lead to 20 - 6.

Ireland mounted an attack that looked to be the best of the match so far as Rathati broke the Scottish line before offloading to Flannigan who spread the ball wide to McCloskey. Superb defence from Grodynski dislodged the ball McNally. Scotland worked out of pressure but a knock on put them back under the Irish's' hammering attack but again the stubborn Scottish defence from Cockburn and Broere put Taylor into touch.

A penalty against Vernon for a high tackle saw Ireland again attack the Scottish line this time however it was McNally who stretched out to score for Ireland. Cross added the extras. Scotland 20 - 12 Ireland.
Scotland conceded a penalty for a high tackle against Martyn Nicol which allowed Ireland to work up field before Barcoe stretched out under the posts giving Cross an easy conversion to take them within 2 points of Scotland (20 - 18).

Scotland were awarded 2 back to back penalties that put them into the Irish half, Mcnee dinked a kick in goal for Pullen to cross but the kick ran long.

Scotland charged again through the backs and Broere was in support of Pullen and stepped inside of Taylor to score to the left of the uprights. Grodynski converted giving Scotland a 26 - 18 lead.
Ireland began their attack again and kicked deep, the ball bounced high in goal and Broere returned the ball 30 metres before being taken down. Vernon worked the ball into the Irish 20 metre before following up with a solid chase to close down any Irish counter attack.

With minutes to go Scotland worked the ball well with Vernon kicking in goal and Pullen catching the Irish attacker to force a drop out.

With that the final whistle sounded and Scotland recorded a 26 - 18 victory that put them into second place in the final standings for the Amateur Four Nations 2011.

Scotland:

1: Nick Broere
2: Dom Pullen
3: Rob Sloman
4: Callum Cockburn
5: Mark Greenwood
6: Dave Vernon
7; Andy Grodynski
8: Colin Jarvis
9: Nathan Crichton
10: Niall Parkinson
11: Mike Stewart
12: Mattie McNee
13: Paddy Coupar
14: Ross Grady
15: Ray Festorazzi
16: Martyn Nicoll
17: Greg Wallace

Try's
Parkinson, Stewart (2), Pullen, Broere
Conversions:
Grodynski (3)

Ireland:

1: Joe Taylor
2: Mark Tuohy
3: Joe Mulhern
4: Paddy Barcoe
5: David Parkhill
6: Sean Carmody
7: Brian Flannigan
8: Brendan Guillfoyle
9: Conor McNally
10: Aaron McCloskey
11: Alan Trenier
12: Paddy Boyle
13: Ian Cross
14: Alan McNamara
15: Tom Ratahi
16: Cahal O' Reilly
17: Mark O Neill

Try's
McCloskey, McNally, Barcoe
Conversions:
Cross (2)

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Scotland looking for second place

2011-08-12T14:00:00.000+01:00

Scotland need a win by more than 2 points against Ireland

Scotland ‘A' only need to secure a win by 2 points against Ireland to finish joint second with England and Ireland in the Amateur Four Nations. Wales have already secured the trophy for the 8th time after a Grand Slam victory over England Lionhearts last weekend.

The Scots who play Ireland in the final match of the competition at Glasgow's Scotstoun Stadium will be looking to secure their first win in this years' competition by at least 3 points to snatch second place away from Ireland or England.

Head Coach Ash Carroll is confident that Scotland is in a position to defeat the Irish at home.
"It's been another tough task to select the side to play Ireland but this is testament to how strong our squad is this year. With the depth in the squad I've been able to tailor a side that I think will be able to turn Ireland over."

"This season has been pretty hard on the guys with two long away trips but they have played some great rugby in those matches and I think we just haven't had the rub of the green on occasion and have let the games slip with concentration lapses. That said...I am confident that that won't be the case tomorrow."

Scotland ‘A' who were the defending champions of the Cheltenham Regency Trophy defeated the Irish last year in Dublin by 10 - 6 in what was a closely fought physical game which is expected to be the case in tomorrow's clash which Carroll hopes will bring out the best in his players.

"There is a massive opportunity on offer in the match tomorrow to finish second overall in the competition as well as to impress the coaches of the full international squad who will be looking at the Scotland ‘A' squad to bring players up into the professional camp for this autumns internationals against Ireland and France."

In the Under 18 competition Scotland U18 take on England Colleges in the curtain raiser to the Scotland ‘A' match which will see the victor claim the "Auld Enemy trophy". The Under 18 match kicks off at 12:00pm

Scotland U18 vs. England Colleges and Scotland ‘A' vs. Ireland ‘A'

12:00pm and 2:00pm Kick offs

Saturday 13th August

Scotstoun Stadium

Glasgow.

Adults: £5 / Concessions: £2 / Under 12's: FREE

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Eagles lift their 8th title

2011-08-08T09:55:00.001+01:00

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE PREMIER GRAND FINAL

EDINBURGH EAGLES 26 - 10 AYRSHIRE STORM

Edinburgh Eagles claimed their 8th Scottish Conference title after defeating Ayrshire Storm in a dominant display. The Eagles had the vast majority of the possession in the first 10 minutes of the match and utilised their territorial advantage through Andy Grodynski who jinxed his way through the Ayrshire defence to score the opener for the Eagles. Grodynski converted his own try to increase the lead to 6 - 0.

Ayrshire battled hard in defence with fierce tackling from Brian Hendry, Tony Wright and Ewan Morrison but it was Edinburgh winger Mark Robertson who received a ball out wide from Callum Cockburn to dive over in the corner to give the Eagles a 10 - 0 lead.

Ayrshire battled back and put Edinburgh under pressure and Ruchin Fillander powered his way up field but Ayrshire were unable to break through the Edinburgh line. With no joy through the middle of the park the Storm spun the ball wide into space 10 metres from the Edinburgh line but a knock over the line let the Eagles off the hook and allowed them to retain their lead.

Play was stopped as Fillander took a head knock in the tackle and Edinburgh's Grodynski stayed down after a neck injury. Fillander left the field of play whilst Grodynski was stretchered off. Ayrshire began to dominate possession and Edinburgh found themselves conceding penalties close to their own line but were able to regain possession and work up field. With the structure they had, Paddy Coupar moved the ball wide before darting it back inside to Dave Vernon who dually crossed for Edinburgh and gave them a 14 - 0 lead moving into half time.

HALF TIME

EDINBURGH EAGLES 14 - 0 AYRSHIRE STORM

The second half started with Ayrshire Storm taking control with some good attacking play which put Edinburgh under pressure in their own 20 metre area but were unable to capitalise on the pressure and the Eagles regained possession. The game drifted into a midfield battle as both teams failed to capitalise on errors and couldn't secure possession for long enough to mount an attack.

It was Edinburgh who finally broke the deadlock after an Ayrshire Knock on, Calum Anderson ran in over the whitewash on the far side to take Edinburgh into a commanding 18-0 lead.

Ayrshire looked as if they might come back into the match after again exerting pressure on the Edinburgh line through Rodgers and Johnson but a missed penalty kick to touch saw the Eagles work up field and from a Paddy Coupar kick, Robertson regained possession and dived over the Ayrshire line to score. Edinburgh 22 - 0 Ayrshire.

Edinburgh's final try of the match came from Cameron Jackson who broke the line to score in the corner and took Edinburgh into a 26 - 0 lead.

With 15 minutes to go it looked as if the tides might be changing after Edinburgh conceded a number of penalties which gifted Ayrshire field position before Paul Johnson scored out wide with Gordon Powrie, kicking the extras. 26 - 6.

It was Ayrshire on the attack again in the final moments of the game and Alistair Maxwell powered over to pull back the score line to 26 - 10.

Ayrshire began to rally but Edinburgh's first half and start to the second proved too much to overcome and at the final whistle Edinburgh were crowned worthy victors of the Scottish Conference Premier division.

Edinburgh Eagles:

Broere, Robertson, Cockburn, Jackson, Anderson, Vernon, Grodynski, Carroll, Lomax, Jarvis, Seddon, Parkinson, Coupar, Grady, Buchanan, Johnston, Steele.

Ayrshire Storm:

Muir, Murray, Wright, Fillander, Carson, Crangle, Powrie, Hendry, Johnson, Savage, Festorazzi, Maxwell, Morrison, Rodgers, Marshall, O'Neil, Duncan.

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Warriors outclass spirited Titans

2011-08-08T09:34:00.002+01:00

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE DIVISION 1 GRAND FINAL

MORAY TITANS 4 - 72 ABERDEEN WARRIORS

Moray Titans came into the Grand Final as underdogs having to play undefeated Aberdeen Warriors in the Division 1 Grand Final at Scotstoun in what was a bruising encounter for the Titans. Aberdeen were first to cross the line through Richard Roach who darted round the outside of the Moray flank to give them an early 6 - 0 lead with a successful conversion attempt.

It looked as if the game might become a tic for tat affair as Titans captain Phil Abbott cut back inside close to the Aberdeen line to cross. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful and Aberdeen retained a 6 - 4 lead.

Aberdeen mounted pressure on the Moray line and it was Roach again who broke through crossing for his second, the conversion sailed over (12 - 4). Moray tried to fight back but couldn't find away over the Aberdeen line and broke down the wing through Minellas who scored in the corner, conversion was unsuccessful (16 - 4).

Moray played some good rugby through Harrison, Jolly and Holt but again couldn't utilise the possession and gifted Aberdeen a series of scores through Roach (2), McCall and Minellas to leave Aberdeen with a comfortable 36 - 4 lead at the Half.

The Warriors were relentless in their attack with a series of tries in the opening stages, Moray fought back bravely and half broke through Duncan and again with Coulby but they couldn't get through the Stubborn Aberdeen defence but Aberdeen were beginning to run away with the match at 50 - 4. The Elgin outfit troubles went from bad to worse as Jamie McMillan had to retire with a popped AC joint and Garden had to leave the field with a head gash.

Aberdeen took full advantage of the weakened Titans and ran in 4 scores in quick succession that firmly closed the door on a Titans revival as they moved to a 62 - 4 advantage. The match began to close down and Titans kept on working in defence but Aberdeen proved to strong as Hume crossed and Bingham crossed over after a long range effort to close out the match 72 - 4.

Moray Titans:

McBean, Keenan, Jones, McGettrick, Woodward, Harrison, Abbott, Macmillan, Holt, Coulby, Duncan, Garden, Jolly, Stronach, Sharp, Simpson.

Aberdeen Warriors:

Little, Minellas, Robertson, Roach, Lee, Hume, McNair, Reid, Maddox, Hazzard, Hackett, Parker, Bingham, Parslow, Robertson, McCulloch.

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Panthers just too strong for Spartans

2011-08-08T09:29:00.002+01:00

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 17 GRAND FINAL

EASTERHOUSE PANTHERS 54 - 18 ABERDEEN SPARTANS

Easterhouse Panthers reclaimed their title as Under 17 Champions after a 54 - 18 victory over Aberdeen Spartans. It was a game that produced some excellent passages of play and saw some fantastic tries. Easterhouse went into the match as hot favourites having been undefeated in the National Youth League but Aberdeen put up a strong fight.

It was Easterhouse who started the match the better notching up a couple of scores early through Love, Gemell and McConville. Aberdeen fought back through McIlroy and Reid to leave the half time 28 - 8.

Easterhouse started the second half much as they did the first and scores a rake of tries through Love, McConville, Senter Breen and McNeil but Aberdeen again fought back scoring tries themselves through McIllroy and Sharp.

It was Cuthbertson for Panthers who closed out the match and secured the win and McTaggart converting five kicks with Panthers running out 54 - 18 winners.

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Panthers Triumph over Falkirk Romans

2011-08-08T09:24:00.002+01:00

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE UNDER 15 GRAND FINAL

Easterhouse Panthers 26 - 6 Falkirk Romans

In a match that was picked as one of the matches to watch of finals day after Falkirk Romans in their debut season were looking to defeat Easterhouse Panthers. The match started with a series of scores from Easterhouse that gave them a 14 - 0 lead. The first of which the Panthers spread wide to the wing to cross, the second saw some good open play from the Easterhouse players before the broke down the wing to cross and the final try in the first half saw the Panthers power through the middle of the Falkirk pack.

Falkirk stepped up and put pressure on the Panthers line and looked threatening as they attacked the line buta series of unforced errors gifted possession back to the Panthers but the Romans stood firm into halftime (14 - 0)

After the break it was Falkirk who looked as if they might start to come back as they worked the ball up field before finally diving over for a score which was converted (14 - 6). The match stayed at 14 - 0 for the duration of the second half as both teams battled for possession but couldn't find the break through. It was Easterhouse who finally broke down the wing to score a long range effort that was converted to extend their lead to 20 - 6.

Falkirk tried to get back into the match and broke the Easterhouse line but some solid scramble tackling put the Falkirk player into touch and provided Easterhouse with Possession going into the final minutes of the game. Falkirk Romans held on until the last few minutes but Easterhouses forwards were too strong and crossed close to the posts allowing for a successful conversion and a secured win for the Panthers 26 - 6.

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RLC teams ready for Finals!

2011-08-05T10:34:00.000+01:00

RUGBY LEAGUE CONFERENCE CLUBS READY FOR CLASHES AT SCOTSTOUN

The next two weeks in the Scotland Rugby League calendar will be a showcase of what the domestic game in Scotland has to offer. This weekends' Finals day will encompass games at Under 15, Under 17 and both Rugby League Conference Divisions. The following weekend (13th August) Scotland Under 18's take on England Colleges and Scotland ‘A' are back in action against the Irish at Scotstoun Stadium in their only home game of the season, they will be trying to secure a second place finish in the 2011 Amateur Four Nations.

The Rugby League Conference (RLC) matches at this years' Scotland Rugby League Finals day are promising to be both exciting and enthralling with the senior clubs all ready and all eagerly trying to get their hands on their respective trophies.

The Division 1 final between Moray Titans and Aberdeen Warriors will see both teams make the journey south on Saturday to their first ever finals. Both in their inaugural year, it is testament to both clubs' hard work that two teams from the North / North East of Scotland will be playing for the title of Division 1 champions with aspirations of joining the Premier Division in 2012.

Aberdeen Warriors head coach Craig Parslow is relishing the opportunity to play this weekend and thinks it would be the perfect end to the season if the Warriors can secure a win.

"It has been a great year for Rugby League in the North East of Scotland. The Warriors have been training and playing hard all season and are excited to be in their first Grand Final, after winning the Division 1 league. A win the Grand Final, it would be the perfect end to a fantastic year."

A thought on the development of the sport in the North of Scotland similarly echoed by Moray Titans head coach Adam Harrison who thinks the Moray Titans playing in the Grand Final is a fantastic achievement.

"Moray Titans are proud to be playing in the Division 1 Grand Final against out northern neighbours Aberdeen, and at such a spectacular venue as Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow. We started off in 2011 with high hopes of forming a Community Rugby League club in the North of Scotland and to finish on such a high note, regardless of the result on Saturday is a fantastic achievement for the club. We know it's going to be a physical test against the league leaders but even the best aren't unbeatable."
The RLC Premier Grand Final will see last year's runners up Edinburgh Eagles try to go one better to reclaim the title of Scottish Champions for the 8th year in their history. Edinburgh finished the league section of the season 6 points clear, which head coach Ash Carroll credited to hard work at training.

"It's great to be back in the final this year as it represents reward for a lot of work the lads have put in. We have really developed as a squad this year and it's been really tough to cut down to a 17 man squad for the final. The guys are all looking forward to playing at Scotstoun, it's a world class venue and a fitting venue for the end of the season. It will be a great day with the two junior games and division 1 final before the Premier Final."

Edinburgh will be playing Ayrshire Storm who are only in their second year in the RLC and had a resounding 42 -22 victory over Fife Lions in the playoff to reach the Grand Final, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by Carroll.

"We have had two good games against Ayrshire this year and although we have managed to beat them on both occasions I have no doubt that they will be up for their first final, you just have to look at their win over the Lions last weekend to see that. I'm sure both teams will make the most of the day and relish the opportunity."

Ayrshire Storm have had a superb run of form in the latter stages of the season to help them finish with a flourish and secure 3rd place over in the league all with wins over Fife Lions and a final league match against reigning champions Carluke Tigers, which the Storm narrowly won 30 - 26 before their playoff victory. Ayrshire Storm head coach Alex Bibby has led the Irvine based Storm since its conception in 2010 and is delighted that the squad have pulled together to reach the final.

"We had a difficult start to the season only winning two of the first six matches but the squad rallied towards the end of the season and that's the part of the season where it counts. The guys are really looking forward to the Grand Final, they have been working hard and it's their willingness to learn and hunger for success that has brought us this far. It wouldn't have been possible without that or the backing and support from Irvine Rugby Club."

Prior to the RLC Division 1 and Premier finals, Scotland's National Youth League squads will take to the fields. Falkirk Romans and Easterhouse Panthers will battle on the field for the Under 15 championship which is tipped to be a fantastic match after their performances over the summer where they have both beaten each other. Following that match it will be Aberdeen Spartans who have the task of trying to topple the undefeated Easterhouse Panthers in the Under 17 Grand Final.

For a discounted ticket bundle deal to the Finals Day, Under 18, Amateur international and professional international in October join our facebook group by clicking here
Alternatively, you can buy tickets on the day at the Stadium Reception.
Scotland Rugby League Finals Day - Saturday 6th August 2011, Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.

Under 15 - 12:00pm

Under 17 - 01:30pm

Division 1 - 03:15pm

Premier - 05:15pm

Prices: Adult: £5, Concession: £2, Under 12: FREE

INTERNATIONALS:

Saturday 13th August at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.

12:30pm - Scotland Under 18 vs. England Colleges

02:00pm - Scotland ‘A' vs. Ireland ‘A'
Prices: Adult: £5, Concession £2, Under 12: FREE

This Saturday (6th August) Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will play host to four rugby league matches as the clubs battle for the silver wear and title of Scottish Champions.

Alternatively why not take advantage of our unique facebook offer which gives you discounted bundle tickets to the Finals day, Scotland 'A' vs. Ireland 'A' / Scotland under 18 vs. England Colleges and the professional Autumn international between Scotland vs. Ireland.

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RFL Announces extended Super League TV coverage

2011-08-04T11:19:00.000+01:00

RFL ANNOUNCES EXTENDED SUPER LEAGUE TV COVERAGE ON SKY SPORTS

Five-year deal increases Super League income and takes partnership up to 21 years

The Super League and Sky Sports today announced the signing of a new broadcasting agreement to screen live Rugby League matches at the elite level until the end of 2016.

The new five-year agreement sees the Super League gain a record-breaking deal for exclusive rights to matches played during the 2012-2016 seasons spanning Super League XVII to Super League XXI, and taking the partnership with Sky Sports up to its 21st year.

"At a time when broadcast fees in sport have been under real pressure, this is a tremendous outcome for the sport of Rugby League," said RFL Chairman Richard Lewis.

"It clearly demonstrates the confidence that Sky Sports has in the game's current and future appeal and will give everyone involved in the sport a real boost.

"This is the first time we have sold domestic rights independently of international rights and so it bodes well for those sales which will be concluded either later this year or early next year."

The agreement with Sky Sports will see up to 70 Super League games being televised each season, including all Play Off matches and the end of season Grand Final at Old Trafford. In addition, live match coverage will be supported by additional programming every week including Boots 'N' All, Super League Super Men and Super League Extra Time.

Since 2001, television income for Rugby League has markedly increased. This growth has been matched by an increase in the number of fans attending matches from 1.2million in 2002 to 1.7million in 2010. More than one million young people received coaching over the last four years and in 2010 alone the number of adults participating in the sport increased by over 30,000.

"Our partnership with Sky Sports has been an important factor in the sustained growth of the game over more than a decade and we value the relationship we have with Sky and thank them for their continued support and excellent broadcast production values," added Lewis.

"The extended partnership from three to five years will enable us to plan for the future and tackle the issues we need to address in order to make Super League stronger."

Since the first Super League game was broadcast on Sky Sports in March 1996, nearly 3,000 matches have been screened covering some 424 rounds of weekly competition. Innovations during that time have included the video referee for difficult try decisions and events like the Grand Final and Magic Weekend, shown live in 3D this season.

Commenting on behalf of Sky Sports, Managing Director Barney Francis said:

"We are pleased to extend our partnership with the Rugby Football League for a further five years. Sky Sports has worked in tandem with the Rugby Football League as its principal media partner to showcase the game and support its development over the last sixteen years."

All live Super League coverage will be shown in HD and selected matches in 3D, and available to be watched by Sky subscribers with Sky Sports on mobile, online and tablet devices via Sky Go.

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Scotland Rugby League - Player Development Centre

2011-08-03T16:43:00.000+01:00

Player Development Centre trials (north & central)
Trial dates announced

Scotland Rugby League are holding trials for selection for the Player Development Squad 2011/2012.

There will be two trials, one held in the central belt for those players living South of Dundee and one held in the North for those who live in Dundee or further North. Full details of both trials are below:

NORTH TRIALS

Saturday 17th September

University of Aberdeen

Balgownie Playing Fields, Aberdeen

AB22 8LX.

CENTRAL TRIALS

Saturday 24th September

Falkirk RFC

Sunnyside, Dorrator Road, Camelon, Falkirk

FK2 7YW.

Eligability age groups are the following:

To trial for the Scotland U15's squad your 15th birthday must fall on or between the
31-08-11 and the 01-09-12.

To trial for the Scotland U16's squad your 16th birthday must fall on or between the
31-08-11 and the 01-09-12.

PLEASER NOTE:

Scotland U15 players attending the trial must arrive at the venue at 11am to register, the trial match will commence at 12.00pm, all players must bring the following kit, shorts, socks and boots, players will be issued with a trial shirt for the match.

Scotland U16 players attending the trial must arrive at the venue at 12.30pm to register, the trial match will commence at 2.00pm, all players must bring the following kit, shorts, socks and boots, players will be issued with a trial shirt for the match.

If you require any further information please contact West Of Scotland Development Officer Susan Senter directly on :

Email, or alternatively by mobile on 07540636504.

We are getting closer and closer to the Grand Finals. This Saturday (6th August) Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will play host to four rugby league matches as the clubs battle for the silver wear and title of Scottish Champions.

Alternatively why not take advantage of our unique facebook offer which gives you discounted bundle tickets to the Finals day, Scotland 'A' vs. Ireland 'A' / Scotland under 18 vs. England Colleges and the professional Autumn international between Scotland vs. Ireland.

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Scotland Rugby League celebrates a £4,262.00 donation

2011-08-02T14:07:00.000+01:00

Scotland Launch Rugby league Foundation Funding

Scotland Rugby League celebrates a £4,262.00 donation from the Rugby League Foundation (RLF) to support Scotland's player development centre.

The RLF have contributed towards the running costs of the Scotland Rugby League player development centre which will provide 60 Scotland based players with the opportunity to develop their rugby league skills and game knowledge in a performance environment run out of the World Class facility, Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow.

Commenting on the funding Mark Senter, Scotland Development Manager said "We are delighted with the contribution made by the Rugby League Foundation to support our player development programme, The player development centre will enable us to educate our coaches to a higher level to deliver suitable programmes for developing players at Under 15, 16 and Under 18 age groups which will enhance their knowledge of core skills, lifestyle and strength and conditioning. This will provide a long term positive input into the National squads at Under 18, A, and full National Level".

Scotland Under 16's, pictured, already a product of this programme will be travelling to Germany on the 17^th August 2011 to play in a four way development tournament between, Scotland, Germany, Russia and Serbia.

The Scotland player development centre will start with trials on 24^th September 2011 with the main programme commencing in October 2011 and completing in May 2012.

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Scotland Rugby League Finals Day Line Up

2011-08-02T13:55:00.001+01:00

Scotland Rugby League Finals Day Line Up

SCOTLAND RUGBY LEAGUE FINALS DAY
(Please note change in kick off times)

It's the end of the domestic rugby league season and it's still all to play for as we approach the Grand Finals. This Saturday (6th August) Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow will play host to four rugby league matches as the clubs battle for the silver wear and title of Scottish Champions.

Prices for the whole day: Adult £5 / Concession £2 / Under 12 FREE

Alternatively why not take advantage of our unique facebook offer which gives you discounted bundle tickets to the Finals day, Scotland 'A' vs. Ireland 'A' / Scotland under 18 vs. England Colleges and the professional Autumn international between Scotland vs. Ireland.

Under 15 Final: 12:00pm KO

Easterhouse Panthers vs. Falkirk Romans

The Under 15 final will see last year's runners up the Easterhouse Panthers strive to go one place better this year as they face the Falkirk Romans. Falkirk, in their inaugural year have already drawn and beaten last year's champions Victoria Knights and turned over the Panthers once but Easterhouse have gone almost unbeaten this year only dropping one match at the hands of their opponents this weekend. It's all to play for this weekend as the team's battle for the Scottish Champions title.

Under 17 Final: 01:30pm KO

Aberdeen Spartans vs. Easterhouse Panthers

Aberdeen Spartans in their inaugural year in the National Youth League will be hoping they can add to the rugby league silver wear in the North East after Aberdeen Grammar School won the Saltire Schools Rugby League Tournament. They will be facing a tough challenge as they take on Easterhouse Panthers, undefeated this year in the National Youth League and hoping to retain their title from the 2009 final.

RLC Division 1 Final: 03:15pm KO

Moray Titans vs. Aberdeen Warriors

A clash of the Northern Clubs - Moray Titans and Aberdeen Warriors, who are both in their first year of senior rugby league in Scotland, will meet one final time in 2011 for the big prize of division 1. The Warriors and Titans have met twice this year in the domestic season with Aberdeen running away victors in both matches but the Titans will be looking for their first win over the Aberdeen outfit and the opportunity to claim the Division 1 title.

RLC Premier Final: 05:15pm KO

Ayrshire Storm vs. Edinburgh Eagles

The biggest match of the day as the victors of this match will earn themselves not only the title of Scottish Champions but will be awarded a place in the National Playoffs and a coveted entry into the Carnegie Challenge Cup.
This year Ayrshire Storm will take on the undefeated Edinburgh Eagles in the final match of the season. Ayrshire have succumbed to the Eagles twice this season, the first in a tightly fought encounter in Irvine where the visitors stole a 6 -14 win and again at Union Park where the Eagles ran away 46 - 0 victors.
Storm who were plate runners up in 2010 after narrowly losing to Moray Eels will be hoping they can turn over the Eagles outfit as they did the Lions last weekend in their playoff match. Edinburgh who are making their 12th Grand Final appearance will be looking to secure their 8th Grand Final win in 14 years.

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Ayrshire Storm into Grand final

2011-08-02T11:49:00.008+01:00

Ayrshire Storm to make debut in Scottish Grand Final.

FIFE LIONS 22-42 AYRSHIRE STORM

Ayrshire Storm qualified for the Grand Final in considerable style with an impressive display at Harley Street.

The Storm will now battle Edinburgh Eagles at Scotstoun next Saturday for the title of Scottish rugby league champions, and while the Eagles will start as hot favourites to notch their eighth title in twelve Grand Final appearances, if the Storm can produce a similar performance they will have nothing to fear from their more illustrious opponents. For the Lions, on the other hand, it is back to the drawing board as their wait for their first Grand Final appearance since 2008 extends for another year.

The early signs were not promising for the visitors as the home side dominated possession and it was no surprise when they took the lead after 12 minutes, second row Colin Stewart eluding the defence on a penalty set to touch down under the posts. Thomas Murray added the conversion and the Lions led 6-0.

Shortly afterwards, however, came the first hint that it was to be the Storm's day. Paul Johnston sent the kick-off deep into the Lions half and the receiving player was deemed to have knocked on even though the ball went backwards out of his grasp. From the resulting set Nathan Murray was ruled to have scored in the right corner despite suspicions he had been tackled into touch. With no touch judge on hand to adjudicate, the referee was left with no alternative but to give the attacking side the benefit of the doubt. Johnston missed the difficult touchline conversion but the Storm were back in the game at 6-4.

The score appeared to open the game up and both sides had their moments before the Lions extended their lead on 25 minutes. Raymond Festorazzi was penalised for "afters" at a tackle situation and from the resulting set piece Niall Campbell went over in the right corner for the first try of what would ultimately be a hat-trick. Thomas Murray's conversion made it 12-4.

Within six minutes though the visitors were in the lead. The Lions were penalised on the set after the kick-off and after a patient spell of pressure Johnston burrowed over in the right corner for a try which he converted himself. The home side then shot themselves in the foot by sending the kick-off into touch on the full. The resulting set ended with Martin Sneddon crossing next to the posts. Again Johnston added the conversion, taking the score to 16-12 in the Storm's favour.

After this, a combination of indiscipline from the home side and good defence from the visitors ensured that there was no way back for the Lions before the break. Indeed, Nathan Murray thought he had extended the Storm's lead in first-half injury time with a try in the corner but the referee had spotted an injury to the home side's Andrew Brown in the build-up and blew for half time instead.

The Storm had a dream start to the second half when Gordon Powrie raced clear to notch their fourth try of the afternoon, Johnston goaling the conversion for a 22-12 lead.

They then presented the home side with a glorious chance to get back into the game, when in quick succession John Muir deflected the kick-off into touch deep in their half, and they were penalised for offside on the resulting set. But they produced an excellent defensive set to survive all six tackles and regain possession.

The Storm defence were to the fore again shortly afterwards when they had to withstand another set of tackles after once again being penalised. This proved crucial as Brian Hendry powered up the touchline to score in the left corner on 51 minutes. Johnston again missed a difficult touchline conversion.

The home side tried to respond and were unlucky when Stuart Tracey got a cruel bounce while attempting to gather a chip into the in-goal and the touchdown just eluded the diving Lions player. They paid for missing this chance minutes later when Hendry ran in behind the posts for his second try of the afternoon to give Johnston a straightforward conversion for 32-12.

Both sides were down to twelve men on 59 minutes when a melée between Powrie and home interchange Colin Wilson resulted in both players being sent to the sin-bin. Wilson in particular could have no complaints after being involved in a similar confrontation with Brian Hendry ten minutes earlier. The Lions were the beneficiaries of the original penalty and finally claimed the try they had been threatening when Niall Campbell scored his second of the afternoon from the resulting set. Thomas Murray was wide with the conversion, but the visitors' lead had been cut to a not yet unassailable 32-16 with twenty minutes to go.

The home side tried to exert more pressure on the visitors in a bid to get back in the game, but were unable to capitalise and on 67 minutes Nathan Murray made the game virtually safe when he raced clear to dot down under the posts, Johnston adding the extras. And after two further tries had gone begging after Tracey beat the would-be scorer to the touchdown on both occasions, Alastair Maxwell put the icing on the cake on 79 minutes with an unconverted try in the left corner to make it 42-16.

The Lions had the last word in injury time when Campbell completed his hat-trick and Thomas Murray converted, but the day ultimately belonged to the visitors.

Ayrshire take on Edinburgh Eagles in the Scotland Rugby League Premier Grand Final on Saturday 6th August at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow - 5:15pm kick off

Buy Tickets HERE

FIFE LIONS - J Campbell; N Campbell, S Cessford, K Dalglish, S Doidge;
T Murray, G Queen; J Smith, A Brown, C Stewart, G Wallace, R Thomson, R Bryce. Interchanges: K Perrow, C Wilson.

AYRSHIRE STORM - G Powrie; N Murray, A Maxwell, J Muir, S Tracey;
D Crangle, P Johnston; B Hendry, J Marshall, N Savage, R Festorazzi, S Rodgers,
R Filander. Interchanges: M Sneddon, S Christie.

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Scotland Rugby League U15 & U16 Trials

2011-07-26T16:26:00.007+01:00

Scotland Rugby League are holding trials for selection for the Player Development Squad 2011/2012.

The trials will be held on Saturday the 24th of September at Falkirk RFC, Sunnyside, Dorrator Road, Camelon , Falkirk, FK2 7YW.

Eligability age groups are the following: To trial for the Scotland U15's squad your 15th birthday must fall on or between the 31-08-11 and the 1-09-12.

To trial for the Scotland U16's squad your 16th birthday must fall on or between the 31-08-11 and the 1-09-12.

Scotland U15 players attending the trial must arrive at the venue at 11am to register, the trial match will commence at 12.00pm, all players must bring the following kit, shorts, socks and boots, players will be issued with a trial shirt for the match.

Scotland U16 players attending the trial must arrive at the venue at 12.30pm to register, the trial match will commence at 2.00pm, all players must bring the following kit, shorts, socks and boots, players will be issued with a trial shirt for the match.

If you require any further information please contact West Of Scotland Development Officer Susan Senter.

We would like to wish all of the athletes who are training hard to get in to the squad the best of luck.

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