Welcome back rugby league fans to "News of the Week." A round-up of all the various news stories surrounding the great game of rugby league in the Americas. If this is your first time here we are coving everything from Argentina and Brazil to Jamaica and Honduras to The US and Canada, we will give you the TOP FIVE (5) stories you might have missed. So let's get to it. Here are the top stories for the week of April 7th, 2023.
Tackle 1:
Canada wins The Battle of the Great Lakes:
In a thrilling weekend of rugby league action, both the Toronto City Saints and Ontario Ospreys emerged victorious over Cleveland's men's and women's sides. The Saints, who had already secured a win over the Boston 13s last fall, managed to stage a 34-22 comeback victory over the Cleveland men despite losing two key players early on in the match. Meanwhile, in the women's match, the highly skilled Ospreys dominated against the debut Cleveland Outlaws side to secure a comfortable win 68-0. Congratulations to both Canadian teams and an exciting moment for women’s rugby league as the Outlaws have their first hit-up as an organization.
Tackle 2:
Warriors & Saints dropped from the CRL:
The California Rugby League (CRL) recently announced that the North Bay Warriors have been dropped from the league due to inactivity. The Warriors had not played a match since their January 14th fixture against the Immortals and had no future matches scheduled. In addition, it appears that the Utah Saints have also been dropped from the CRL, as they have been removed from all aspects of the league's pages. With the loss of these two teams and the earlier departure of the Utah Sea Eagles, the future of the CRL seems inquestion. Fans and pundits alike are left wondering if the Las Vegas Islanders, who have only played one match since the start of the season, will also face the same fate.
Tackle 3
Naples 9s is Back!:
Rugby league fans are excited and gearing up for the second annual Naples 9s tournament, hosted by the SW Florida Copperheads at the beautiful Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Last year's event was a great success, with the USA Exiles and Carolina Storm emerging as the men's and women's champions, respectively. This year's tournament promises to be even better, with the addition of the San Diego barracudas from the Pacific Coast Rugby League (PCRL) to the roster of entrants. The one-day tournament will take place on May 20th, with tickets for all-day passes priced at $30, championship passes at $20, and children getting in for free. Fans are advised to keep an eye on social media for ticket sales announcements.
Tackle 4
USARL National Championship East vs. West:
In EXCLUSIVE NEWS that you will only get here at Rugby Leauge in America, USARL) has announced that, for the first time ever, the winner of the East Conference will face off against the winner of the Pacific Coast Rugby League (PCRL) for the USARL National Championship. This exciting new format is part of the league's efforts to rebuild and reimagine itself following a recent reform process. Fans of rugby league in America are eagerly anticipating this historic matchup and hoping that it will help to propel the sport to even greater heights.
Tackle 5
Horn's Up the Atlanta Rhinos Have Rejoined the USARL:
BREAKING NEWS - In a major development for rugby league in the United States, we at Rugby League in America are happy to announce publically that the Atlanta Rhinos will be rejoining the USARL. The Rhinos were one of several USARL teams that broke away to join the failed professional startup, the North American Rugby League (NARL), in 2019-2020. Their return to the USARL is a significant boost for the league, which has been working hard to rebuild and strengthen itself in the wake of the event surrounding the NARL's rise and collapse. Fans are eagerly looking forward to seeing the Rhinos back in action, and are especially excited to hear that the team's owner and former USA Hawks captain, Nick Newlin, will be the next guest on the popular podcast episode “Intimate Sessions”.
Tackle RESET!
RLBC is looking for Officials!
In a recent post, RLBC indicated they are in need of brave individuals who are interested in being a part of Western Canada's best rugby league. If you are interested in helping out reach out to the RLBC at board@rugbyleaguebc.ca.
Tune in next week for the latest write-up and report, and stay tuned in to all the rugby league news on our social media channels.