Rugby league in Norway

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Rugby league is a minor team sport in Norway. The sport is administered there by Rugby League Norge, which was set up in late 2008. Rugby League Norge works according to RLEF and NIF laws.

History

Continuing the pattern set by such European nations as Czech Republic, Germany and Lebanon, Norway are new to the game. In February 2008, Norway were granted official observer status by the Rugby League European Federation. This was not the only major point of development in the year, as a committee was formed, based in capital city Oslo, with the aim of developing the game all over the country.[1]

Rugby League in Norway progressed rapidly in 2009 after ex London Skolars professional player Warren Heilig took over responsibility of developing the game. The first rugby league event to take place on Norwegian soil was the 'Scandinavia Cup' 9-a-side tournament in Oslo. Following this, a national team was selected to play against the British and Irish Student Pioneers. Norway lost this match 24-0. Later in the year, Norway played their first full international match, against Denmark in Copenhagen. Norway won the match 28-26.

After the encouraging progress of 2009, 2010 became a year of expansion for rugby league in Norway. A full domestic rugby league season started in June, culminating in a Grand Final won by Oslo RK, defeating Lillestrøm Lions. Meanwhile, the Norwegian national team competed in their first official tournament, the 2010 European Bowl competition against Malta.

With the success of the domestic competition in 2010 Rugby League Norway planned ahead for 2011. The domestic competition will expand to see 5 teams battle for the league trophy: Aker Seagulls (Oslo), Flisbyen Broncos (formerly Lillestrøm Lions), Fredrikstad Falcons, Oslo Capitals, Tromsø Polar Bears. The 2011 Norwegian Grand Final is scheduled for September 10.

On 26 October 2011, Rugby League Norge was granted Affiliate status within the RLEF [2]

Domestic competition

Norway runs a senior men competition with 4 teams participating in the national 13's championship.

  • Oslo Capitals
  • Flekkefjord Tigers
  • Porsgrunn Pirates
  • Flisbyen Broncos

Domestic competition champions

  • 2010 Oslo Capitals
  • 2011 Tromsø Polar Bears
  • 2012 Oslo Capitals
  • 2013 Oslo Capitals
  • 2014 Oslo Capitals
  • 2015 Bodø Barbarians

Media

In February 2011 Rugby League Norway announced a deal with TV 2 Sport that will see one game of the Engage Super League screened each week.[3] In addition, a timeslot was allocated to promote the fledgling domestic competition each week. The first Super League game ever screened live in Norway was the clash between St Helens and Wigan Warriors. That game was held on Saturday February 12 20:00 CET at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff as part of Millennium Magic.

In 2012 the Norwegian Grand Final was broadcast live on the Internet through NRK ( Norsk Riks Kringkasting). This was a huge step towards showing people the game in Norway.

National team

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Main article: Norway national rugby league team

Norway's national team is nicknamed "Vikingene". They first competed in 2009.

References

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External links

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