Rugby League Club Vardar from Skopje will make history this afternoon when they play the first full 13-a-side club fixture in North Macedonia. They will face Partisan 1953 from Serbia at the Stadium Mladi Lavovi (kick off 3pm, local time).

Five clubs have been formed in the country with a view to the formation of a domestic league, Vardar the first to take the field and also hoping to take part in the Balkan Super League.

President of RLC Vardar and a board member of the North Macedonian Rugby League Association, Damjan Georgievski, commented: “We're gearing up for an exciting game against Partizan 1953 from Belgrade, marking a significant milestone as the first official game recognized by both local authorities and European Rugby League. 

“It is a testament to the growing recognition of rugby league in our region, and we couldn't be prouder to be part of it. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our friends at the Serbian Rugby League Federation. Their unwavering support and assistance, both financially and in terms of providing equipment, have been crucial to our progress.”

Georgievski added: “While we start as a small rugby league community, our passion is growing by the day. The future of rugby league in North Macedonia looks promising, and we're determined to keep pushing forward. Together, we're shaping the future of the sport here, and with continued support, the possibilities are endless.”

Admir Hadzic, president of Rugby League Club Partisan 1953, said: “It is an honour for us to help Rugby League Club Vardar and to start domestic activities in North Macedonia. Our mission, as one of the strongest clubs in the Balkans, is to spread rugby league as much as we can.”