Hammersmith Hills Hoists to become first tourists to Belgium
1st July 2009London Rugby League team Hammersmith Hills Hoists, who play in the Merit League, will be involved in the third ever Rugby League match to be played in Belgium and become the inaugural tourists to the country.
The Hills Hoists take on BW Wavre XIII at J. Peeters stadium in Wavre, just outside Brussels on Saturday, 11th July (kick off 4pm)
Belgium is the latest European country to try the code and despite the fact that they are in their infancy, having played two domestic games, Hills Hoists expect a testing encounter.
Hill Hoists coach Paul Farah said, “we are expecting a really tough hit out from the Belgium players, they will have plenty of size and skill”
“Despite their limited Rugby League experience, they will be playing with a lot of pride and passion, especially in front of their home crowd”.
The game has been organised through RFL Regional Development Manager for London and the South, Dan Steel and the Rugby League European Federation.
Hills Hoists president Chris Rushton said the club was first approached by RFL about the match in February and jumped at the opportunity.
“This will be mine and most of the players’ only chance to play against an international Rugby League side so it is very exciting,” he commented.
“The fact it is the first touring side to play a Rugby League match in Belgium makes it all that more special.”
Depending on the success of the match, there have been further proposals for Hills Hoists to take on other international teams throughout Europe.
The Hammersmith Hills Hoists RLFC was established in 2008 within the inner West London area where there is a substantial quantity of players who are interested in playing the sport.