There is more to Kazakhstan than just Borat. On Thursday this week, GB Students (SRL) travel on a groundbreaking 11 day, three-match tour
writes Gerard Keenan. The aim of the President’s XIII squad, also known as ‘The Pioneers’ is to aid the development of the greatest game in fledgling Rugby League nations.
Over the last five years, the Pioneers have visited Estonia, Czech Republic, Latvia, Ukraine and Norway to give each nation their first experiences of rugby league. In 2010, the squad will visit Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan and former capital before moving on to nearby Taldykorgan which is just 100 kms from the border with China. Over just six days, the Pioneers will jointly train, coach and play two Kazakhstan teams before returning to Almaty to finish with the first ever RL test on 10 July.
The make-up of the 20 man Pioneers squad is unique comprising players from 17 counties, from 16 universities and from 4 Nations with representation from four capitals – Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh and London as well as from the more traditional heartlands of the sport in England. Students are the ideal ambassadors because many are involved in teaching or sports development and most have practical skills as organisers for their university rugby teams.
The team will be led by Head Coach Lee Speight, a member of Huddersfield Giants coaching squad. The Pioneers work in close liaison with the RFL and the European Federation.
Gerard Keenan, Team Manager commented, “This team represents David Oxley, CBE and President of the Student Rugby League. We are immensely proud of the Pioneer concept. A Pioneer goes beyond his comfort zone. To play rugby league in Kazakhstan will be both a challenge and an achievement but more importantly it is an opportunity to share our sport with enthusiasts abroad, often in difficult situations and to help them establish and grow the great game of rugby league.”
