The GB Student Pioneers will retain their central European flavour in 2016, having announced a tour to Hungary. It follows their successful trip last year to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The British side, which is drawn from students from four nations who have made a notable contribution to the sport on and off the field, will play in a 9s tournament and then two games against the Hungarian national side, on 27 and 30 July.

Hungarian Rugby League Federation official Michael Hay said: “We are excited by the opportunities presented by the touring GB Pioneers. Exhibition matches are planned in Budapest on 23rd July, when Hungary celebrates the fifth anniversary of the first rugby league game here.

“With the HRLF in an early structuring phase and with the GB Pioneers reputation for helping the development of rugby league, we expect their contribution to be beneficial to our short and long-term goals. We look forward to showing the students what Budapest has to offer touring teams, and why it is the ideal location for rugby league events.”

Steve Curtis, GB Pioneers Tour Manager, will lead them on their eleventh tour, the first in 2005, all to development nations in Europe and Africa.

"The GB Pioneers are very excited to be visiting Hungary this year for what should be an excellent trip for all concerned,” he said. “The Hungarian Rugby League Federation have done some fantastic work over the past five years and we hope this tour can be a catalyst for them to continue to grow. We are working with them to develop an itinerary that upholds our pioneering ethos, and will provide tools to raise the profile of rugby league in Hungary after we have returned home."

Pictured: the 2014 Pioneers toured Ghana.