International rugby league to pay homage to fallen heroes on Remembrance Day
England and New Zealand will pay tribute to the fallen on Sunday when it will be exactly 100 years to the day since the Armistice that ended the First World War.
The Lions face the Kiwis in the final game of their three-match Test series at Elland Road on Sunday, November 11, exactly 100 years to the day since the end of World War I.
International rugby league will pay its own respects to the fallen heroes and everyone who has served the country before Sunday’s game.
Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer commented: “It’s a privilege and a responsibility for our England team to be playing on Remembrance Day, in this year of all years, 2018.
“Everyone at the RFL and in the England set-up from Kevin Sinfield through Wayne Bennett, Jamie Peacock and the rest of the management and playing group take that responsibility very seriously.
“We saw that with the journey the England squad made to the Menin Gate during their preparations for this autumn’s international programme, and I know that made a significant impression on all of them, in terms of the sacrifices that were made, in many cases by their Northern Union equivalents of 100 years or so ago.
“We’ve worked closely with the Royal British Legion and their Thank You campaign to ensure that we pay appropriate tribute next weekend – and we shouldn’t forget the sacrifices that were also made by brave young New Zealanders, who will very much be involved in the Remembrance.
“The aim for next weekend at Elland Road is to ensure a poignant, respectful but also memorable occasion, allowing the sport of Rugby League to come together to pay our respects.”
England will show their support for the Royal British Legion by wearing a commemorative shirt on Remembrance Day by wearing a limited edition shirt, with poppies emblazoned on the chest of the shirt.
The Test match on Sunday will also remember the 69 Northern Union players who did not return from the Front.
The Greatest Sacrific – Fallen Heores of the Northern Union, by Jane and Chris Roberts, is avaialbale from Scratching Shed Publishing.