Whilst many of us may have participated in tours to play rugby union in the Netherlands, you probably didn’t know they also played rugby league. Well they do and they are enjoying their most successful period in the history of the sport.Recently, the team won the European Championship D trophy in Turkey, and are now through to the Rugby League World Cup Qualification Stage for 2025.
Matthew Rigby, Competitions & NL XIII Manager at Nederlandse Rugby League Bond says,
"This is a monumental occasion to win a trophy, in what has been the biggest achievement in Dutch Rugby League history. - Link: https://europeanrugbyleague.com/articles/2044/netherlands-take-euro-d . As part of the celebrations we are conducting a trophy tour around the Netherlands and England as the RLWC21 host nation. Whilst Woking RFC may play a different code to their Dutch visitors the town is home to the largest Dutch Community in the UK and therefore it seems logical to stop by."
Matt and Dutch international, Adam Braksator will be present at Woking’s match against Wandsworthians (Kick Off 2.30pm) this Saturday 6th November at Byfleet Rec. So why not come along cheer on the boys and grab a picture with the trophy.
Woking chairman Andy Jones is looking ahead to new challenges as the Surrey Four outfit battle back from near extinction. As a tribute to club legend Richard Grady – who died in December 2019 – Jones took on the role last summer. Some felt it would be difficult to keep the club alive following the pandemic, but Jones gave it a go – and is now seeing the fruits of his considerable endeavours.
In previous weeks Woking have been guilty of starting slowly, allowing their opponents to get on the front foot and build a lead. Away to Mitcham & Carshalton that wasn’t the case as Woking started positively with a focus not seen in previous weeks. Playing into a strong wind the visitors took the game to their hosts as forwards and backs combined to put their opponents on the back foot.
Woking returned to Byfleet rec for the visit of Haslemere. After the heavy defeat to Old Hamptonians, it was an opportunity to put things right.