Rugby league continues to grow in the US as 2015 National Championship final approaches
For the first time since the USARL was formed in 2011, a new national champion will be crowned.
On August 29th, the Atlanta Rhinos and the Boston 13s will meet in the USARL National Championship V in Jacksonville, Florida.
Both finalists enjoyed successful regular seasons and continued their good form in their Conference Championship games. The Boston 13s defeated last year’s Champions, the Philadelphia Fight, 20-12. The Atlanta Rhinos came from behind to win 32-28 against the Central Florida Warriors. This is the first time these two teams will meet since Atlanta entered the USARL competition in 2014.
The 2015 Championship will take place at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville for the second year in a row, following last year’s success. Ahead of the Championship game, a curtain raiser will take place featuring USA rugby league players vying for USARL “Hawks” national team selection ahead of the Rugby League World Cup America’s Qualifiers, to be held in December.
The University of North Florida will host two of three Firehouse Subs Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers – Americas on December 4 and 12, with the third fixture to be held in Deland, Florida on December 8. The USA will take on both Canada and Jamaica as they try and reach the Rugby League World Cup 2017, under the guidance of Head Coach, Brian McDermott.
USARL Hawks Management - Left to Right, Danny Hanson (Hawks Domestic Team Manager), Peter Illfield (Hawks National Coach), Steve Williams (Hawks Director, Marketing/PR & Communications).
Peter Illfield, Chairman of USARL, said: “This year the USARL has once again made huge strides forward both domestically and internationally. The league has seen its most competitive season to date and this year will crown a new champion, with both teams yet to win their first USARL final. We are also proud to have a close and local association with Firehouse Subs in supporting the Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers - Americas for the first time in Florida. Daryl ‘Spinner’ Howland of the Jacksonville Axemen has excelled in the planning and organizing of such a prestigious event being hosted by the USARL. There are definitely exciting times ahead.”
Daryl Howland, USARL South Administrator, said: “We are excited to host the National Championship Game for the second consecutive year. It is a testament to the fans, supporters and sponsors who have supported rugby league in Florida over the past 10 years.”
USARL Championship Game Details
- Gates Open – 4.30pm
- SOUTH vs NORTH "HAWKS" Selection Game – 5pm
- Pre-Game – 6.45pm
- National Championship - Boston 13s vs Atlanta Rhinos – Kick Off – 7pm
- Halftime Events Featuring Jacksonville Axe Maiden Cheerleaders – 7.45pm
- Fulltime Presentations – 8.45pm
- Post-Game Functions – 9pm onwards
View last year’s Championship Final between the Philadelphia Fight and the Jacksonville Axemen here: https://youtu.be/MJ_0pYN3og8
To learn more about the USARL, please visit our website usarl.com or LIKE us on facebook.com/usarl