Rugby League Coaching Manuals

Head of RLNorsk, Warren Heilig added, "It is fantastic to see our great game grow through the hard work of Bjørn and Magne. This is just another example of the continued growth of the sport in the continent and we at RLN will be doing our very best to make sure this club has everything it needs to grow and succeed. It is so satisfying to see so many native Norwegians wanting to get involved in Rugby League".

The Lions are inviting anyone who would like to become a signatory member of this historic venture to pledge their support by contacting This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with their name, address and date of birth. For more information go to www.norskrl.com

Meanwhile, last Saturday the Norwegian national team, ‘The Vikings' played a friendly match against a Barbarians side made up of players originally from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK.

The Norwegians' second contest on home soil was a huge success with the Vikings recording a comprehensive 76-16 win.

Captain of the Barbarians, Kiwi Anthony Aynsley said, "Being a Rugby Union player for 20 odd years I thought that playing League would be an easy adjustment but I was totally wrong and the score line reflects that. You really have to work hard to win, especially in defence".

The Vikings posted 16 tries in all, their first in the 10th minute when centre Fredrik Skovly crashed over on a fine angled run.

Soon after, talented stand off Even Gauslaa set up a lovely back line move to put Bjørn Mikkelsen over between the posts.

The Norwegians played some great attacking rugby backed up by some bruising defence to thrill the enthusiastic local crowd.

Head of Rugby League Norway Warren Heilig said, "The boys had been bugging me for a while about playing another game this year before the snow halts all opportunities for us, so we asked any rugby player from in and around the Oslo area to come and try a game of Rugby League against our national team."

"The guys who played for the Barbarians were given a lesson and it was great to see how far we have come since the first ever match, against the British Student Pioneers, when we failed to score a single point."

"I now have a great group of people who work with me growing rugby league not just in Norway but around the whole Scandinavian region. Today was a great reward for all the hard work put in, not just by the players, but all the behind the scenes volunteers at RLN."

The Vikings are hoping that their progress will see them offered a place in the 2010 European Bowl which is currently held by Ukraine.

Newly appointed Vikings Head Coach, Gareth Turton - who was formerly with Wynnum Manly Seagulls and Pia Donkeys - commented, "As long as we keep drilling the boys well in their core skills and decision making, there is no reason they can't compete well in the Bowl next year."

"I have only recently moved to Norway and the boys are very eager to get better at the game and they have improved already since my short time as coach. Things are looking bright for the future of Rugby League in this part of the world".