Rugby league will break new ground this week when the first ever Commonwealth Championship takes place in Scotland as part of the Year of Homecoming celebrations. Eight teams from all over the world will take part in a nine-a-side competition on Friday and Saturday, June 27/28, at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.

Nines is a shortened version of the 13-a-side game but it is fast, explosive and hard hitting. There are teams are from Australia, Canada, England, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Scotland and Wales.

Ever since rugby league became a recognised sport of the Commonwealth Games Federation in 2011 there has been a drive to boost the sport in areas of the Commonwealth where it is only sparsely played or has not previously been practised.

This Commonwealth Championship is seen as a step towards rugby league being included in the Commonwealth Games sports programme. Nigel Wood, chairman of the Rugby League International Federation, said: “Our rationale behind this competition was clear from the outset: to celebrate as many of the Commonwealth’s regions as possible, and by doing so celebrate the common values and cultural diversity of this unique movement.”

Caroline Packman, Homecoming Scotland Director said: “We are absolutely delighted to have the first ever Rugby League Commonwealth Championship in Scotland take place during the Year of Homecoming.  Scotland is the perfect stage for events and it’s fantastic to see a number of teams from across the world getting involved in what’s set to be a fantastic weekend for both spectators and participants.”