Irish interest in Rugby League growing

Plans to launch a rugby league competition in Ireland have prompted “a flood of interest”, according to organisers.

Rugby League Ireland (RLI) have been inviting applicants for an 18-team, provincial-based championship which they hope will enjoy the same level of success that the burgeoning Rugby League Conference has in England and Wales.

“The progress we’ve made since we invited applications for the new summer conference has been very encouraging,” said RLI chairman Dave Southern.

“The interest levels have been great and we’ve been stunned by the response we’ve had when approaching rugby union clubs over here.

“They respect our game and are extremely open to it. I was sceptical at first about the response we may receive from some of these clubs, but we have been welcomed with open arms.”

RLI have teamed up with the fund-raising group 1895 International to stage a St Patrick’s Day dinner at Huddersfield’s historic George Hotel on Saturday, March 20, to raise funds for the project.