SRL NEWS
by Niel Wood, SRL Director
As the Student Rugby League launches another season of rugby league onto the student population of the UK, I want to update the Alumni members on the current structure of the organisation and some of our hopes and aspirations.

If all the projected teams come under orders, which is always an imponderable, then the League this year will boast over 70 teams divided into 10 divisions. The players will range from the very good in the National League to social players just enjoying their Wednesday afternoon sport. We also plan to expand the Women's programme this year to take advantage of the excitement created by the games last season. Fixtures begin on Wednesday 7th October, or as soon after as possible.

The representative structure is now in place. As I write, Great Britain are fighting their way through Australia on the trip of a lifetime. The programme starts again in November with the Regional Championships at which 200 hopefuls will embark upon a quest for International honours.

In December, France arrive to play in the final games of the 1998 European Championship. They arrive in Wales, then travel to Ireland and Scotland before the showdown with England at the New River Stadium in London on 18th December. There will be a full Alumni event at that game, so book your works Christmas 'do' with the Alumni!

All eyes will then focus on the World Cup which has once again landed in the UK. Teams from all over the world will make their way here next September to try to wrestle the crown of World Champions away from Australia.

Between now and then, we will see about 560 games of club rugby league with all the fun, trials, tribulations, triumphs and disasters which make Student Rugby League such a great sport. You can keep up to date on the web by visiting www.studentrugbyleague.co.uk.

Proposals for the Student Rugby League in 1998
1. Expand the Domestic League Competition to 10 Divisions
2. Offer some limited financial help to National League teams for travel
3. Help establish an inter-college league in Scotland
4. Begin to establish an inter-college league in Ireland
5. Increase the Women's League
6. Expand the 16-19 Sector to improve the number of teams playing regularly
7. Provide a playing structure for the 16-19 Sector which includes clubs, regions and international
8. Home International Championship
9. Receive France
10. 8 Team Regional Championship
11. Establish Regional Coaching Structure
12. Improve the promotional material of the SRL and include a web site
13. Increase the activities of the Alumni as a catalyst for nationwide development at senior and junior level
14. Take SRL games to all parts of the UK

Judge at the end of the season how successful we have been.