The recent progress in Swedish rugby league will be present for all to see on Saturday as the inaugural Swedish championship kicks off, six years after the sport was first introduced to the Scandinavian country. Sodertalje and Kungsbacka will have the honour of hosting the first matches in the Impact Prowear League. Skane Crusaders visit Kungsbacka Broncos, fittingly the team created and managed by Swedish rugby league pioneer Scott Edwards, while Stockholms Kungar travel to Södertälje.

Kungsbacka Broncos player-coach Andrew Bignell was happy with his charges’ in the regional launch event, the Scandinavian 9s: “I was extremely pleased with all the boys at the Scandinavian 9s tournament. Everyone showed up to play and I think it showed in our games. We have some new guys that have never played or even seen rugby league before.

“They really enjoyed their first experience in rugby league and are looking forward to a big season," he said. "This is great for the Broncos and great for the growth of rugby league in Sweden. Everyone is excited for the first round this weekend and for a big season. We have some improvements to make but I feel that we will have a competitive side and I am confident this will be the Broncos best season yet.”

Fabian Wikander, Södertälje Storm player-coach, said: “The young guns of Sodertalje Storm will be out to prove themselves in their first season; this young squad will be focussed on developing their talent.”

The Storm will form a new rivalry with other new comers, Kungar, starting with their clash in round one. Kungar were victorious in the 9s, stealing the limelight from previous champions Skåne Crusaders.

Ashley Brown coach, Skåne and Sweden coach, is under no illusions that the first season will be a closely contested one: “The Crusaders have been the dominant force in Sweden but with the two new teams and a much improved Kungsbacka team we have our work cut out for us now. A great new challenge awaits us and will definitely lead to a strong national side and tough selection choices. Overall Sweden Rugby League’s development strategy is now exceeding expectations.”