RUGBY LEAGUE NATION

 

 

Foundation Year - 2005

International Team - Rugby League Deutschland

Top level domestic competition - Germany currently have 4 Rugby League teams.

History - Germany is a new rugby league playing nation and continues the trend of European nations taking up the sport.

In 2006 Germany took part in their first international series. They played against Austria and Estonia winning both games taking out the Central European Development Tri-Nations.

Germany were again involved in the Development Tri-Nations series in 2007. This time they played against Serbia and Czech Republic. Germany defeated Czech Republic but could not repeat the feat against Serbia.

In July/August of 2008, Germany along with the Czech Republic and Italy took part in the Euro Tri-Nations. Once again Germany defeated the Czech Republic 62 -20. Italy the new participants of the Euro Tri-Nations proved to strong defeating Germany 58 - 26.

Germany have been making steady progress with Rugby League development in the south. Rugby League is slowly being introduced into schools and it's popularity is increasing. Over 10 schools now play rugby league. Their improvement was rewarded when the national team moving up to the Euro Tri-Nations competition in 2008.

In 2008 Germany were ranked 9th in European seedings by the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF). In early 2009 Germany were ranked 19th in World seedings by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF).

In March 2009 the RLEF appointed Germany's first development officer to assist with Rugby League growth in Germany. Germany also have a team based in the the United Kingdom called the German Exiles which was formed by UK based rugby league players who are German or have German heritage and play in the local league.

The recent success of the Rugby League World Cup will provide further funds to develop the sport throughout Europe. The Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) will now have more funds to invest in development officers and continue assisting rugby league's growth. With the right support many more nations including Germany could possibly be involved in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers.

Germany along with the Czech Republic and Italy took part in the European Shield in July 2009. Germany finished 3rd on the ladder and were unable to win a game during the tournament.

Dear Readers, If you have first hand knowledge of the current Rugby League situation in Germany we would love to hear from you. Please email us at: webmaster@rugbyleagueplanet.com or join our international rugby league Forums at http://forums.rugbyleagueplanet.com and let us all know what's going on in your part of the world.