Following its first-ever Congress in Istanbul, Turkey, the RLEF has announced the creation of two new European Championships, beginning in 2023, for the wheelchair and women’s game.
RLEF general manager Chris Thair commented: “It is important that we continue to reflect our members activities and needs. Both the women’s and wheelchair games have grown considerably in the last few years and I’ve no doubt these European Championships will inspire further growth. Wheelchair rugby league is fast, robust and extremely exciting to watch. It also involves some wonderful players who are genuine superstars. Our intention is to bring the action to the forefront and raise the profile of those who play it. England, whose professional clubs launched the very successful women’s Super League in 2017, and France, who continue to have large numbers participating, will start as likely favourites for the 2023 Women’s European Championships.”
Thair added: “The RLEF Congress had over 40 delegates from 21 nations and it was fitting that Turkey’s women’s captain Melike Sahan launched the tournament at the event. She then inspired Turkey to an 18-14 victory over Italy in their inaugural women’s international, watched by a very vocal crowd and all the delegates. Congress helps foster a spirit of togetherness as we all share the same journey.”
RLEF chairman Maurice Watkins noted: “The 2019 Congress was the best we have ever held and for that we give thanks to our staff, led by Chris, and the Turkish Rugby League Association who hosted the event. TRLA president Gurol Yildiz, founder Julian Treu and the whole team were professional, inspiring and have added a great deal to our membership.
“A great deal of time and effort goes into these events, however, it is the outcomes that matter most. A press section was introduced to the RLEF Congress this year and national Turkish television networks such as TRT Sports were present along with council leaders. A speech from legendary Turkish sports commentator and TV host Orhan Ayhan to launch proceedings added to the sense of occasion and ensured the sport was seen by millions on Turkey’s national news.”
Watkins confirmed: “The decisions and talks held will lead to a brighter future. The whole weekend was significant for international rugby league as every single member of the RLEF was either their or involved in a game. On the same day, the United States beat Jamaica, Canada and Latin Heat to win the Americas 9s. Greece defeated Norway to lift the European Championship C trophy and move to the next stage of the World Cup qualification process. Spain played host to a Super League game which broke that competition’s attendance record for a regular season game. Finally, Turkey played their inaugural women’s international before us. There remains a great deal to do but we must also recognise the great strides that have been taken. Everyone is very excited and hopeful about the future of international rugby league.”
A record number of Middle East African nations were represented, with delegates from Cameroon, Lebanon, Morocco, Nigeria and Palestine present.
Turkey held on to overcome Italy 18-14 in a pulsating women’s international, after leading 12-4 at the break. The game was superbly refereed by Serbian official Vladan Kikanovic and held at the sunny Beylerbeyi Stadium. Tries from Turkey’s Ecem Acikzog and Esen Gul, both converted by Acikzog, put the hosts 12-0 in front before an unconverted try by Italy’s Gioga Lozzi just before half time saw them back in the contest. Italy began the second half strongly and scored through Alessandra Berotti, however, a try by Mehtap Korku, again converted by Acikzog put Turkey into an unassailable 18-8 lead. A late try for Italy by Virgina Pinaello, converted by Valentina Viesin proved to be consolation for the visitors.
Turkey Women:
Melike Sahan, Huyla Tasci, Gulusan Cakmak, Mehtap Korku, Nazlican Erdogan, Esen Gül (Izmir Bati Gucu RLC), Elif Yilmaz, Zeynep Aydın, Nazife Taşkın, Ecem Acikgoz(Ankara Phrygians RLC), Bengu Ozgen, Safak Ozturk, Merve Fırtına, Ezgi Kilic, Elif Kutlu (Kadikoy Bulls RLC), Berivan Dilmac (Eskisehir Aqua Warriors RLC), Jiyan Avras
Italy Women:
Lisa Sovran, Stefania Tolto, Riulla Callagel, Virgina Pinavello, Alessandra Menotti, Cecilia Piva, Valentina Virgili, Giulia Iozzi, Simona Gazzera, Rosa Bettolatei, Altea, Giulia Stucchi, Erica Neri, Enrica Pandolfo, Marika Ascione, Carlotta Gnerreschi.
Further photos from RLEF Congress and Turkey v Italy game can be found here –
[20/05, 17:17] Gurol Turkey RL: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9JfthXHod9XYRivq8
[20/05, 17:18] Gurol Turkey RL: https://photos.app.goo.gl/vY221irnoTUvg5CU9