SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON CONCLUDES

6 Jun 2015

Nederlandse Rugby League Bond Development Officer Jason Bruygoms has praised the contribution of everyone involved in the first BENE Cup, which featured three Dutch sides and one Belgian team, North Brussels Gorillas, who emerged as winners.

“It is a great accomplishment to have the first-ever domestic competition played in this part of the world,” said Bruygoms. “With the helping hands of everyone involved, it has been a huge success.

“Seeing all the teams grow throughout the competition has been a pleasure to watch. We have learnt a lot from this project which we hope to come away from with new, fresh ideas on how to improve for next year with the aim to grow and expand.”

North Brussels Gorillas dominated the competition, defeating Den Haag Knights 48-6 in the Grand Final, whilst Rotterdam Pitbulls beat Amsterdam Cobras 52–22 in the third-place play-off.

The Belgian side went through the regular rounds undefeated, dominating a competition played over five weekends and featuring eight games – the highest number played in a year in the two countries.

Belgian Rugby League Association president Yves Kazadi was equally satisfied with the strategic results of the inaugural competition. “We were pleased to launch this transnational competition,” he said.

“Our objectives were clear; to provide the players with regular games so that they embrace rugby league, keep a competitive environment and learn to play consistently abroad, continue to work closely with our neighbours in order to cultivate the sport in our region, and favour local players in order to grow the skill-base.”

Officials from the NRLB and BRLA will now negotiate on the 2016 competition, which they hope to extend, including at least one more Belgian side.