Twenty-eight match officials from 18 nations completed a course in St Helens as part of the new EU initiative, the ‘European Week of Sport.’ Sessions were held at Cowley International College and the delegates were guests at Super League games at St Helens, where they were introduced to the crowd, and Warrington.

“It was wonderful to see so many different countries represented and the enthusiasm that the delegates have for our sport,” said St Helens and Merseyside Rugby League Development Manager, Steve Leonard. “I’ve been lucky enough to experience first-hand the work being done in places like Latvia and the Czech Republic under the European Federation banner, which has seen the popularity of rugby league hit all-time highs in these countries."

Leonard added: “No doubt these delegates will share with others their new found skills and knowledge, sustaining efforts in areas that are beginning to bear fruit and not just trying to achieve quick hits and moving on. The work done by the Federation and people like the St Helens Referees Society, is helping the game take steps towards our goal of sustainability.” 

Phil Smith, RLEF match officials tutor during the courses, added: “Cowley International's excellent facilities proved a great base and all the delegates received a great educational insight into match officiating. The nations attending doubled from last year and with funding and support in place, the rugby league map of Europe continues to grow.”

Wales delegate Steve Allen commented: “It's always great to meet the guys from other nations and share our contacts and experiences to further the game as a whole across Europe. From what we were shown, the new CATO / CATO+ system [Consolidate-Application-Team-Organisation] coming online in October will revolutionise how we develop current and future match officials.”

The seminar was a part of the RLEF's Erasmus+-funded Training and Education Portal project, which received €466.000 of public funding.