The Northern Conference of the Nigerian Rugby League Championship kicks off again today (10 July) with holders Kano Lions facing Jos Miners and Zazzau Bulls taking on Gazelle. Lions head coach Umar Bau is looking forward to his side’s title defence. “We are well aware that the other three teams are looking to claim our crown and will be doing everything we can to retain it. Sport has been missed by so many, hopefully we can now begin to put smiles back on faces.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA), Abiodun Olawale Cole, noted: “I would like to thank all the executives, members and fans of NRLA for getting us this far, especially after such a difficult time throughout the world. We are all extremely excited about what lies ahead for the clubs and the national team.”
Martin Crawford OBE, a member of the NRLA Board of Trustees who also runs the north regions operations added: “We are extremely excited to kick off the season in the North as all four teams head to Plateau State. I would like to thank the NRLA for their financial support and look forward to hosting the finals in August.”
NRLA vice chair and general manger Ade Adebisi confirmed that the hard work undertaken under difficult circumstances was beginning to pay off. “We officially launch the 2021 season in the North. We are certainly in for a hard-fought men’s competition this year with many players far more experienced than in the maiden season in 2019 and desperate to get back to playing.”
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.