Community club Woolston Rovers form partnership with Greece RL

Warrington-based community club Woolston Rovers have linked up with Greek Rugby League in a partnership that is set to benefit both organisations.

The partnership will see Greek domestic players given the chance to further their development at a higher level in a traditional rugby league heartland.

The Greek players will also be offered opportunities to gain coaching qualifications and experience while at Woolston.

Greece will play in the Rugby League World Cup for the first time next year, when England host the tournament. Their squad will contain a minimum of eight domestic squad members.

Woolston head coach Mal Holt said: “Woolston and Greece will work very closely in the build up to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and beyond to enable the game to flourish in the Greek league.

“This is a great honour for Woolston Rovers, and we cannot wait to welcome the Greek players into the Green and Gold family.”

There is already a Greek connection in Warrington, with Greece national coach Steve Georgallis playing for the Wolves in Super League back in 2001.

Greek Rugby League Association president George Stilianos said: “We now have eight active men’s teams in Greece, plus two more that are in the process of rebuilding, so our player pool is continuously growing.

“There are several players that are looking to test themselves at a higher level abroad and the NCL divisions are a perfect place for them to do just that.”

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.