ALBANIA RUGBY LEAGUE WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RFL TO QUALIFY NEW MATCH OFFICIALS

23 Mar 2021

Working in combination with the Rugby Football League - and in particular the St Helens Referees Society - six new match officials have been qualified in Albania, thanks to an on line course.

Arnaldo Telo, president of Albania Rugby League, noted: “In a continuation of the work that is being done to organize the national team and around a domestic competition here, we are working on several fronts to fully develop the sport in all its aspects, and one of them is the licensing of match officials and coaches.

“For the future of rugby league in Albania this is a great impetus and will significantly help in what we are hoping to achieve. It is just the beginning for us, in order to raise the standard of the game it is necessary to have well-trained referees and the enthusiasm shown by the candidates was highly encouraging. This course was a minimal investment by the ARL but it will have a big impact on the future of the sport, and my thanks go to the RFL for including our involvement.”

Among those qualified was Blerta Lushaj, the first women’s match official in the country.

This is the year of the Rugby League World Cup 2021

The Rugby League World Cup is taking place between the 23 October – 27 November this autumn and is the pinnacle of international Rugby League, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time.

The three tournaments will take place in 21 venues across 18 host towns and cities in England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups.

RLWC2021 will be the most visible Rugby League event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.

Mission: Delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.

Vision: Creating inspirational moments that excite, engage and leave a long-lasting positive social impact.