South Wales announce link with Canada RL

South Wales Scorpions and Canada Rugby League have announced a partnership which will see the two organisations working together in a number of ways over the coming years.

The Scorpions Under-20s will travel to Canada in October 2016 to play two games in Toronto,and  the Canadians look likely to make the return journey in 2017.

The partnership will also see individual  players being given the opportunity to play abroad and experience different cultures and lifestyles.

“I spoke to Paul O’Keefe, the new president of the Canada Rugby League, back in November about the potential to send the Under-20s across to play in Canada,!” said Scorpions co-director Marc Lovering.

“During those initial conversations it soon became apparent that there were a number of areas we could look to work more closely together in order to benefit both parties.

“We will be looking at ways that we can attract new sponsors who may be attracted by the possibility of additional exposure in Canada as well as the UK and working with existing sponsors to see if there are ways our Canadian links can help their businesses.

“We will also be looking at ways of selling Canadian merchandise through our club shop and vice versa and helping to raise the profile of both through the various social media outlets.

“There are no constraints on the partnership and we will be happy to work closely with the Canadians in any way we can to help make our respective clubs and association stronger.”

Paul O’Keefe is very pleaed with the new arrangement from a Canadian point of view too.

“The exchange idea gives young Canadian players the opportunity to gain experience by playing and training under professional coaching,” he said.

“We are also very privileged to have a great partnership in the UK with Super League Club Huddersfield Giants, who will continue to show our players what it takes to become a full time professional player.

“I am also excited at the prospect of having Scorpions players coming to Canada for working holidays where they can enjoy educating and playing with young Canadian players on their teams.

“We have a lot in common with both groups taking over control recently and needing to grow our game in regions where rugby union has previously had a higher profile.

“We are both very open to new business ideas and can see opportunities where we can both benefit by working together.”