Rugby League was founded in 1895 in Huddersfield, England. From this point forward Rugby League became independent of and completely different to Rugby Union.
In 1895 several Rugby clubs in the North of England met at the George Hotel in Huddersfield to discuss problems they had with the Rugby Football Union. By the end of this meeting the clubs had decided to break away from the control for the Rugby Football Union over the issue of paying expenses to player.
Thus the new sport began as the “Northern Union,” but after many years and many rule changes it was decided, in 1922, to adopt the name of Rugby League.
As a result of the dispute in the late 1800’s Rugby Union had, until the late 1990’s openly tried to prevent rugby league from being played.. Until recently, the Rugby Union prohibited all players from playing or watching Rugby League or even training with Rugby League clubs – even those clubs who had amateur status. Any Rugby Union players belived to have shown an interest in Rugby League were banned for life from all Rugby Union clubs and all their playing successes were erased from history.
However, on 26 August 1995 the International Rugby Union Board announced that no more players who had been involved with Rugby League would be banned and that Rugby Union would permit payments to players. But the feeling of hatred between the two types of rugby remained.
In the north of England and in countries such as Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and parts of France, rugby league is now much more popular and widespread than Rugby Union.
Worldwide Rugby League is one of the fastest growing sports.
In August 2004, Simon Cooper formed the German Rugby League. Since then, people like Uwe Jansen, Leo Berngruber, Christine Sappel, Olli Kempkens, Danny Stocks, Robert Fotsch and Anthony Seibold gby League to the people of Germany.
Rugby League Germany is responsible for the promotion and facilitation of playing the sport of Rugby League in Germany.
The first game between two German Rugby League clubs was held on 23rd July 2005- with Munich beating Heidelberg 72-64 in Heidelberg .
Who plays Rugby League?
Men, women and young people throughout the world- all play Rugby League.
The sport is and was always open to everyone.
Few are in the fortunate position to be able to play as professionals, but the majority of play out of love for this sport and the enjoyment this brings.
Many schools in Britain, Australia and New Zealand Rugby League play, as well as athletes in the military, police or prison-service. After many years the British Army has finally lifted the ban on Rugby League and allows and encourages Rugby League to be played.
Why? Because Rugby League develops many of the qualites tht are prized by the armed services, such as patience, discipline, toughness, fitness and self-control. It is also a game that requires strategic thinking and creativity. Players must be used independently or in a team can act and it requires communication with team mates.
It is a game for YOU. Come, join us – whether as a player, fan or sponsor.
Everyone is welcome and everyone can be involved.
In Germany you can watch television broadcasts of Rugby League games on SKY SPORTS. Most Irish or Australian Pubs have Sky Sports.
English Super League games are played between February to October on Fridays at 21:00 and Saturdays at 19:00.
The Australian Rugby League is often shown on Saturday morning see www.nrl.com.
2005:
Our first year – with positive developments.
A German team made up of German players, reinforced with a small number of players of German heritage, plays an international match against Holland and an exhibition match against Scotland Under 19’s.
The first game between two German clubs takes place between Heidelberg Sharks and StuSta Munich.
In Munich, we successfully organise a 9-a-side tournament with many German players taking part.
A German national team jersey was on sale and was sold out within a few weeks.
2006:
Germany plays Austria on 25 June 2006 in Bad Reichenhall and Estonia in Tallinn later in the year. The first domestic tournament starts in the summer with a 9-a-side mini-league.
In July the Heidelberg Sharks hold an international 9-a-side tournament.
The Hans Grüninger Markröningen high school team travels to St. Martin de Crau (between Marseille and Arles) in order to play Rugby League.
www.forty-twenty.co.uk start to sell German RL merchandise.
We invite everyone to take part in this success. Make contact with us to find out how you can help
