Belgium Rugby League Association

Belgian Rugby League Association
Founded2009
RLEF affiliation(Official observer)
ResponsibilityBelgium
HeadquartersBrussels, Belgium
CompetitionsBelgian Super League
Belgium

The Belgian Rugby League Association is the governing body for rugby league in Belgium.[1] It was formed in early 2009 as Belgium Rugby League and given Observer status by the RLIF.[2][3] The first Belgian club was established in Wavre and on 11 July 2009 they faced Hammersmith Hills Hoists in the first match to be played in Belgium.[2] Two weeks later, the Belgium XIII representative side defeated a Catalonia XIII in the Euro Med Challenge.[2][4] In 2010, Belgium were scheduled to compete in the European Bowl, but withdrew from the tournament and development of the sport in Belgium was suspended.[2][5][6]

In May 2013, the governing body was re-established as the Belgian Rugby League Association and joined the RLEF later that month as Observers.[1][7] On 29 June, in a match against the Netherlands, Belgium fielded their first national team conforming to international regulations.[8] In 2015, Belgian and Dutch clubs took part in a joint competition, the BNRL Championship, and the association announced plans for the first Belgian Super League to commence in November 2015.[1][9] However, in 2019 it was reported that a national club competition had yet to be developed.[3]

In March 2024, Belgium were expelled from the IRL due to inactivity.[10]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Belgian Rugby League Association". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Rugby League Planet – Belgium snapshot and rugby league results". Rugby League Planet. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Tribute paid to Belgium rugby league stalwart". Rugby League Planet. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Catalonia 22 28 Belgium". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  5. ^ "War has been declared". Rugby League International scores. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011.
  6. ^ "Annual Report 2010" (PDF). Rugby League European Federation. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2012.
  7. ^ "Belgium". Rugby League European Federation. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016.
  8. ^ "Netherlands 6 22 Belgium". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Belgium inaugural rugby league championship set for kick-off". Rugby League Planet. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  10. ^ "International Rugby League Membership: Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Scotland reclassified". International Rugby League. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
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