Rugby League Coaching Manuals

On the 20th January at 1.30 pm a unique event will take place in the square mile. A match involving London’s two professional rugby league sides will be held at the HAC ground near Moorgate. 

Alongside the game will be an investor day involving leading City companies, such as the Irish Stock Exchange, ETF Securities, and Winterflood Securities. The objective for the investor day is to allow investors to learn more about investing in Exchange Traded Commodities (ETCs) and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and how to invest in them.

It is a unique event involving a first rate game of rugby league and an investor day bringing all parties of the investment cycle of ETCs/ETFs face to face with investors.  In one room investors will be able to discuss all aspects of how ETCs work with the issuer, ETF Securities, the Irish Stock Exchange which lists the ETCs, the market maker, Winterflood Securities who provide liquidity in all ETCs,  and the online broker which gives investors access to the Exchange. 

It’s a chance for investors to discuss ETC/ETF investment with employees from all four firms and get their questions answered face to face. ETF Securities will also be presenting on the hot topics in commodities, such as Agriculture, Energy and Precious Metals fundamentals and investing. 

Rugby League and Union legend Iestyn Harris will be guest of honour for the event.  Iestyn is a Dual-code international Iestyn Harris and also played for Great Britain at league. The 32-year-old former Wales and Great Britain stand-off had considered retiring at the end of the season but has opted to continue as a part-time player with Featherstone Rovers. He will be speaking at the pre-match luncheon as well as guest of honour at the after match awards ceremony.

The match itself is part of the Rugby Football League’s policy of the engage Super League team playing its Co-operative Championship neighbour the week before the rugby league season kicks off officially. 

This provides valuable experience for teams like the London Skolars as well as equally important London wide exposure.  By taking this game to the City of London both clubs and the game of Rugby League will benefit from raising their profile within the most important global financial capital centre, London. 

This annual ‘Capital Challenge’ is in its fifth year and only a few points have separated the teams over that period.  Both teams have recruited well and it will be Skolars new coach Callum Irving’s first game in charge. It will be an excellent chance for him to see his charges in action against the toughest of opposition.

The teams themselves include some household names most notably Quins who will be fielding an extremely strong team packed with Super League stars including a trio of current England internationals, Rob Purdham, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Tony Clubb, Ireland international, Gareth Haggerty, new signing and Scotland international, Mick Nanyn and ex-Skolars junior and Haringey boy, Joe Mbu. 

Skolars, under new coach Callum Irving, will include 2007 National League 2 Dream Team winger Austen Aggrey, star stand-off Paul Thorman, and GB Students full-back Jermaine Coleman and Scotland Student international prop Tony Williams.

Brian McDermott Harlequins RL head coach has said: “On the back of last year’s game v the Skolars, which was a huge success, we are looking forward to playing our first competitive game of 2009. It’s a unique opportunity for both professional teams from London to play each other in such a unique area of the city. We hope to see a good turn out from our home fans as well as
Skolars supporters.”

Skolars Community Manager Paul Thorman said: “This is building up to a superb day and the game of rugby league. We can’t wait! Callum has been working hard to put together a team of Londoners to compete with the best of the Championship.

"Quins pedigree will be a great tester for the lads. A sell out crowd turned up last year and only the US Treasury cutting base rates 0.50% interrupted the play from the clicking of 100s of blackberries. Even that didn’t stop the entertainment!”

Ady Spencer, London Business Development Manager, RFL has said: “The City Challenge is further evidence of the great strides that London Rugby League is making, with our two professional sides meeting within an iconic part of the Square Mile.

"Last year’s event was a resounding success and we look forward to another entertaining day amongst the great and good of the City and the London Rugby League fraternity”