USA Rugby League accepted as the national governing

Released in statement vis the RLIF website with congratulations followed by a statement by Nigel Wood, Chairman of the Rugby League International Federation, the USA Rugby League has been accepted as an affiliate member, with a clear route and projected timescale to become Full Members.

Chairman Nigel Wood made the announcement to USARL Chairman Peter Illfied, “The RLIF recognise USARL as the sole National Federation of Rugby League in the USA.  On behalf of the Board I would like to thank you for the quality and depth of your application and look forward to working with you and your Board over the coming years.”

Peter Illfield made the following announcement, “It has been hard work for us all, over the past 4 years, to survive our desire and intentions back in late 2010 and early 2011. This hard and continuous work by all who contributed has developed Rugby League in the USA to a level satisfying the RLIF criteria. In most respects, the real work has just begun. We now have sanctioned governance over a sport that requires further promotion, development, expansion and administration.”

He continued… “I thank everyone of you for your contribution, to this stage, in making our organization a successful and exciting one… robust and sustainable. Special thanks to Steve Williams, Rich Luthmann Esq., Spinner Howland, Drew Slover, Larry Almagno Esq., Alan Chmielewski and Vince Lawson in providing the technical support and activities required for our membership.”

The announcement comes on the heels of the recent release that the Leeds Rhinos will be conducting a training camp in Jacksonville followed by a game against the USA Pioneers, a development representative team.

USARL continues to receive expressions of interest for USARL LLC membership and participation in the 2015 domestic competition.