Chrudim Rugby League Club is the newest addition to the expanding CZRLA domestic competition.

Established by Michal Vorlíček, a player with neighbouring Pardubice Jets, it is an opportunity for him to put down roots in the sport in his home town.

The newcomers are currently being trained by Czech National Team Coach and RLEF Development Manager in the country, Andrew Mulhall and Chrudim will work in tandem with the Jets during the 2011 CZRLA season, with a view to making their debut in the Czech 9’s later in the year as part of a planned expansion of the sport in the country.

The first training session attracted a large number of participants and was conducted by Mulhall, assisted by Jets co-coaches Mirak Horacek and Paul Hooper, plus Vrchlabi Mad Red Squirrels founder David Lahr. Jets star player Vic Leeuw and club stalwart Marian Adam also provided some advice and direction at the highly promising launch.

Lahr was particularly impressed with the size of the turnout, commenting to the local media, “This is really a surprise for me to see so many keen young local players, and I am very happy that I could be here to help.“

Hooper was equally impressed, saying, “This is another great day for Czech rugby league development. It really seems that there is a thirst for the sport in this country, we need the resources and infrastructure to take advantage of that.”

Vorlíček added, “I love rugby league, and I know more Czech people will also the more they get the chance to participate.“