The newly formed Dutch rugby league has had its first on-field success with Saturday’s 52-22 defeat of the touring Durham University. The visitors were the first side to play on the Nederlandse Rugby League Bond’s new home field, the immaculate Sparta Sports Complex in Schollebos, east of Rotterdam.

"It was a very successful evening of rugby league and great sportsmanship,” said hard working NRLB chairman Jason Bruygoms.

The Nederlandse Development Squad’s 10-try victory saw them take a 28-14 halftime lead, with 19-uear-old scrum half Amir Rademaker the man of the match.

“It was a strong performance by the Dutch as we come up to our annual match against Oxford University on 18 August; with just over six-weeks to prepare, it should prove to be another strong contest," added Bruygoms, who took it upon himself to re-form the association in 2009 following the demise of the old NNRLB.