The Great Britain Student Pioneers have arrived in Montenegro for a two-game tour, their fifteenth since formation in 2005. Since then, they have travelled to new territories with the aim of helping develop the sport there.

Previous tours have included Ukraine, Norway, Poland and Ghana and this year’s 20-man squad come from thirteen different universities covering England and Wales, from Exeter to Swansea, York St John’s to Nottingham Trent.

Team manager and coach Keith Sandhu said: “The Pioneers tour has evolved over the years rather than purely, emerging nations playing their first game, we will look to “test” a country and feedback accordingly.

“The plan after Albania is to travel to Montenegro and to support their Federation’s membership application, player attraction and overall development. Hopefully we leave a good footprint for the current team there to build from. We always aim to showcase how the game should be played on the field, and we hope to share the culture of the sport off it.

“The squad are selected not only on playing ability but their love for the game, most are leaders within their own clubs, and we hope this passion comes across.”

Matches will be played on Wednesday, September 11 (kick off 9pm local time) against a Balkan Select XIII - a side including players from Albania, Croatia, Czechia and Serbia, and on Saturday, September 14 (8.30pm) against the Montenegro national team, both games taking place at the FC Arsenal Stadium in Tivat. 

President of Montenegrin Rugby League, Igor Adzaip, commented: “We are very honored to host the GB Pioneers. Montenegro is a small country where sport is big. We believe that their visit can contribute to our application for the recognition of rugby league here as we are in a process of government negotiation.”