Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Last year was the biggest to date in the world's fastest-growing Rugby League nation. 2008 began with the Czech Republic's first club, Beroun Black
Panthers, appearing at the Heidelberg 9s in Germany, before welcoming
junior teams Folly Lane, Crigglestone All Blacks, Halton Farnworth
Hornets and Gateshead Panthers to play at the Beroun juniors in
Beroun.

At senior level, the summer saw the Czechs again compete in the
European Shield competition, with Italy and Germany, form the bulk of
the Euro Select XIII to play Germany and host Serbia for the third
annual Slavic Cup game.

The year's main event was the hosting of the European Nations u18s Cup in Beroun and Prague, with the Czechs making their junior tournament debut as a nation alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Serbia and a European Select side, eventually finishing third in the Shield competition under the watchful eye of visiting England Rugby League head coach Tony Smith.

The close of the year saw two coaches step up to development officer
roles, and the formation of a second club in Pardubice.

With senior and junior domestic activity set for 2009, the growth of
the game in the Czech Republic should be stronger than ever.

Best Wishes for 2009!
Czech Association of Rugby League