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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]
| Belgian Rugby League Association | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| RLEF affiliation | (Official observer) |
| Responsibility | Belgium |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium |
| Competitions | Belgian Super League |
 | |
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 edit
- ^ a b c "Belgian Rugby League Association". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Rugby League Planet – Belgium snapshot and rugby league results". Rugby League Planet. 4 June 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Tribute payed to Belgium rugby league stalwart". Rugby League Planet. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Catalonia 22 28 Belgium". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "War has been declared". Rugby League International scores. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 1 March 2011.
- ^ "Annual Report 2010" (PDF). Rugby League European Federation. p. 18. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 May 2012.
- ^ "Belgium". Rugby League European Federation. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016.
- ^ "Netherlands 6 22 Belgium". European Rugby League. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "Belgium inaugural rugby league championship set for kick-off". Rugby League Planet. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
- ^ "International Rugby League Membership: Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Scotland reclassified". International Rugby League. Retrieved 15 March 2024.