Rugby League Coaching Manuals

From the tip of Scotland to the far south of England, through the West of Wales to the rolling fens of East Anglia, more summer rugby league than ever will be played and supported in 2009, as the twelfth Co-operative Rugby League Conference season was unveiled at a formal launch at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon, prior to the Carnegie World Club Challenge.

The three-tier competition, now underpinned by four regional Merit Leagues in England, will see a total of 136 teams take to the field - 91 in the Conference - while there will also be further increases in the junior and women’s game, and a more devolved administrative structure into the regions to cope with the demand for the code.

RFL National Development Executive Gary Tasker welcomed the continuing spread of the sport, which has seen participation levels increase overall by over 150 per cent in the last four years. 

“The structured geographical progression of rugby league over the last decade or so has been one of its real success stories” he said. 

“In terms of standard and profile, the Conference is improving year on year, more players are starting their education in the game in this competition and, already, some – in England and Wales - have reached international, Super League and Championship levels” he added.

Eleven clubs will compete in the showcase RLC National Division, 41 in five Premier Divisions for the prestigious Harry Jepson Trophy and 39 in six Regional Divisions, a net increase of five participants on 2008.

More RLC sides are running second teams this season, another indication of the growing depth and strength of roots they are putting down in their communities and there are eight newcomers, together with three sides - Kent Ravens, Farnborough Falcons and Cottingham Tigers - returning.

The new clubs are Wigan Riversiders, Kippax Knights, Winalton Warriors, Southampton Spitfires, Hillfoot Rams (Scotland), Norwich City Saxons, South Dorset Giants and St Clears Wild Boars (Wales)