European Championship fixtures confirmed
International rugby league fans have some interesting clashes to look forward to in Europe this autumn, with the European Championships fixtures being confirmed.
The Celtic nations of Scotland, Wales and Ireland, along with France will play in the tournament, with a place in the 2016 Four Nations at stake for the winners.
Scotland will play one home game in England, at Derwent Park in Workington, where they were based for their successful World Cup campaign.
They will also take rugby league to the rugby union heartland of the Borders, and face France at Netherdale in Galashiels.
The Tallaght Stadium in Ireland will host the men in green’s games against France and Scotland, while they will travel to Wrexham to face Wales.
Albi, in France, hosts Les Bleus’ clash with the Welsh, with the French facing two away games.
Scotland head coach Steve McCormack is relishing the challenge of facing his team’s European rivals.
“Everyone involved in Scotland Rugby League is really pleased that arrangements for the European Championships are now in place, especially after hosting such a successful Commonwealth 9s in Glasgow,” he said.
“Following a very exciting World Cup, we see this as a very important part of the international calendar and we will be giving the tournament our full focus.
“It will be great to have international rugby league back on everyone’s agenda here in October.”
Ireland coach Mark Aston believes that the tournament is an important stepping stone to the next World Cup in 2017.
He also wants eligible players to make themselves available as soon as possible.
“The 2013 World Cup is still a fond memory but we are already looking forward to the next one in 2017,” he said.
“We’ve started to build something special with Ireland so it’s very important that we carry on adding to the foundation we laid.
“The players really enjoyed the challenge of playing against three of the World’s best teams in the competition and really started to gel.
“We see the next three years as part of the preparation for 2017 so we are looking for players to commit now and make themselves available from minute one.”
Brian Juliff, chairman of the Wales Rugby League, is looking forward to seeing new coach John Kear’s side in action.
“The Celtic Nations and France recognise the importance of international competition on a regular basis,” he said.
“The announcement that 2014 will see us compete for a place in the prestigious Four Nations competition is welcome and very encouraging for the sport in Europe.
“Following on from the great excitement and experience of competing in RLWC2013, Wales Rugby League eagerly look forward to matching our young, developing squad at senior level against our neighbours.”
RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 2014 – FIXTURES
Round 1:
17 Oct – Scotland v Wales, 8pm; Derwent Park Workington
18 Oct – Ireland v France, 2pm; Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
Round 2:
25 Oct – Ireland v Scotland, 2pm; Tallaght Stadium, Dublin
25 Oct – France v Wales, 3pm; Albi Stadium, Albi
Round 3:
31 Oct – Scotland v France, 7.30pm; Netherdale, Galashiels
2 Nov – Wales v Ireland, 2.30pm; Racecourse Ground, Wrexham
