Rugby League Today: Prince Harry hailed, Masoe’s career over & RL’s royal day out
A wrap up of the latest news in rugby league.
What’s on site
The eyes of the world were on rugby league on Thursday, as Prince Harry undertook his first official engagement since “quitting” the Royal Family. Rugby Football League performance director Kevin Sinfield says Prince Harry has been outstanding for rugby league.
England performance director Kevin Sinfield says the final decision on a mid-season international will be made by the coach, whoever that might be.
Sonny Bill Williams has been named in the Toronto squad for their pre-season game at Castleford on Sunday, which is Michael Shenton’s testimonial match. Could he play against England at the World Cup?
Super League have confirmed they have sold 25% more tickets for this year’s Magic Weekend in Newcastle than what they did last year in Liverpool.
Bradford and Swinton have both announced their squad numbers for the 2020 Championship season.
What’s in the papers
Prince Harry brushed off the media storm surrounding his future with the Royal family to praise rugby star Rob Burrow, report The Yorkshire Post.
Wakefield forward Danny Kirmond admits he may never have played in Super League without reserve-grade experience, report Wakefield Express.
Hull KR prop Mose Masoe forced to retire after serious spinal injury in Wakefield match, report Hull Live.
Harry’s game: England drawn with Samoa on rugby league’s royal day out, report The Guardian.
What’s on social
Has rugby league ever had this much exposure?
The @RLWC2021 will be the first time in tournament history that the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events are held simultaneously.
The Duke of Sussex and @adamhillscomedy talk about how Rugby League is ‘breaking down barriers’ in sports. pic.twitter.com/Q5QJZd1gV5
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 16, 2020
England and St Helens women’s star Jodie Cunningham is an inspiration.
While @England_RL and @Saints1890 star and #RLWC2021 women's ambassador, @Jodie_cunny, here tells the admirable story of her road to recovery to feature in the last Rugby League World Cup #RLWC2021Draw pic.twitter.com/rk31Z7pix3
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) January 16, 2020
International rugby league is getting bigger and better than ever.
A: England ???????Samoa ?? France ?? Greece ??
B: Australia ?? Fiji ?? Scotland ??????? Italy ??
C: New Zealand ?? Lebanon ?? Jamaica ?? Ireland ??
D: Tonga ?? PNG ?? Wales ??????? Cook Islands ??Let's go ? #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/bZekV3oQpY
— Love Rugby League (@loverugbyleague) January 16, 2020
What’s on TV/Radio
Podcast: The Final Hooter 2020 #1 – we are back with a bang!
Episode 46: Love Rugby League Weekly, hosted by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.
The latest Chasing Kangaroos – An International Rugby League podcast is available to download now.
The latest Howlin’ Hour podcast is available to download now. Toronto Wolfpack founder Eric Perez is a special guest on the show.
The latest Forty20 LIVE podcast is out now.
We’ve got some top video content coming soon (biased, we know).
Birthdays
Tonga and Huddersfield forward Ukuma Ta’ai turns 33 today.
Also celebrating; ex-Widnes man Chris Dean (32), Salford prop Lee Mossop (31) and Halifax’s Welsh twins Curtis and Connor Davies (23).
Trivia
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has been the patron of the Rugby Football League since 2016, taking over the role from the Queen.