Rugby League Ireland (RLI) have received substantial funding from the Rugby League International Federation to aid the development of an U18 project.

The grant will be allocated towards the formation of an national side at that age level, together with the expansion of the schools rugby league programme which was launched in March.

To date schools from Drogheda and Belfast have taken part in the programme with plans to expand into Leinster and Ulster followed by introducing it in Munster and Connaught.

As part of the programme RLI have targeted a four team Origin Series to take place in 2015 between the regions.

At present RLI are in talks to establish two U18 international fixtures this year, the first to be operated fully by RLI at this age band.

RLI Director Richard Egan said, “This is a massive boost to our schools programme. We have had a number of people working hard to get this project off the ground and, so far, it has been a complete success with nearly eighty students taking part in rugby league events for the first time.”

“As a result of the grant, Wayne Kelly will now be in a position to push the development of junior rugby league here.”