Delegates from Belgium and the Netherlands attended the French Federation Congress, in the final activity of the 18-month Leadership Devolution Project, which has been supported by the European Union.

The RLEF nations have been involved in programmes fostering good governance and increasing match officials and coaching capacity, with the senior nations acting as mentors.

Yves Kazadi represented the Belgian Rugby League Association, while Jason Bruygoms and Thijs van Zouwen were also in Perpignan from the Nederlandse Rugby League Bond, accompanied by RLEF General Manager Danny Kazandjian.

“This project, that we have had the pleasure to be part of, has given us further insight into how a sporting body can be run efficiently and overcome the various hurdles faced,” said Bruygoms

“It was great to continue our relationship with the FFRXIII, our mentor country, and from our involvement we have come away with new partnerships and knowledge to help grow rugby league in Holland.”

“Participating at the French congress provided us with yet more experience of how a sport should be run and shows the importance of a strong structure,” said Kazadi. “We focused on youth and their strategies to help us expand in that area.”

Pictued, from left: Danny Kazandjian, Thijs van der Zouwen, Carlos Zalduendo, Yves Kazadi, Jason Bruygoms.