This
summer the GB Student Rugby League Chairman’s XIII travel on a
groundbreaking tour to Ukraine. The aim of the squad, also known as
‘The Pioneers’ is to aid the development of the greatest game in
fledgling rugby league nations.
Over the last three years, the Pioneers have visited Estonia, Czech Republic and Latvia
giving each nation their first ever experiences of rugby league. In
2008, the squad will visit Kharkiv, the second largest city in Ukraine and will play a ‘test’ match against the national team on Sunday 13 July. On their return, the Pioneers will call in at Riga to play a match against Latvia. By providing competitive opposition, the Pioneers will assist both Ukraine and Latvia as they prepare alongside Estonia to take part in their first Tri-Nations European Bowl later this summer.
The
Pioneers is a true development experience. The squad is unique in that
it comprises equal representation from each of the Four Nations with
players from places such as Fife, Belfast, Wicklow, Aberystwyth and Devon as well as from the more traditional heartlands of the sport in England. It also includes students from Oxford, Leeds Met Carnegie and several other universities.
The
team will be led by Head Coach Chris Rose, a member of Leeds Rhinos
coaching squad assisted by Paul Fox, former player with Featherstone
Rovers. The Pioneers work in close liaison with the RFL and the
European Federation, alongside Kevin Rudd, European Development Officer.David
Oxley, former Chief Executive of the RFL and long time Chairman of the
SRL commented, “We are immensely proud of the Pioneers concept.
This
is an opportunity to aid enthusiasts abroad, often in difficult
situations, to help establish and grow the great game of rugby league.
Students are ideal for the task because they are comfortable with
helping others to learn the skills and knowledge to play rugby league.
We see them enthused with the notion of development. The
players selected have special attributes. Many of them are the ‘doers’,
the organisers of their university teams. We know they will be true
ambassadors for the sport, their college and their families.”
England:
Ryan Bradley (Northumbria University)
Oliver Bloom (Hartpury College)
Simon Dewsbury (Oxford University)
Barney Hopcraft (Bradford University)
Charanjit Sandhu (Bradford University)
Ireland:
Max Bracken (Bangor University)
Mark Butler (Aberystwyth University)
Dave Heathwood (Liverpool Hope University)
Dan McRitchie (Lancaster University)
James Wallace (Greenhead College)
Scotland:
Robbie Marr (St Mary’s University College)
Andrew Parks (Aberystwyth University)
George Shields (Napier University)
Joe Stearman (Hull University)
Paul Young (Napier University)
Wales:
Jonny Adams (Bradford University)
Tom Bradfield (Bangor University)
Reiss Matthews (Aberystwyth University)
Chris Reynolds (Leeds Met Carnegie)
Graham Simpson-Adkins (University Central Lancashire)
Team Manager: Gerard Keenan (Wales)
Tour Manager: John Piercy (England)
Head Coach: Chris Rose (Ireland)
Asst Coach: Paul Fox (Scotland)
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