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Written by Hannah Leyland
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Tuesday, 14 April 2009 |
Rugby Royalty Comes to the Crofts!
The Leamington Royals, Leamington Spa's first rugby league team, will play their inaugural season in the Kukri Midlands Merit League and have plans for a bright future. The Royals will be based at the Crofts, in Leamington Spa, home of Old Leamingtonians who have proved a willing partner in bringing the sport to Leamington.
Old Leamingtonians Chairman Brian Canning is looking forward to welcoming the Royals:
‘It’s a good opportunity to provide year round rugby at The Crofts, Union in the winter and League in the summer. Both clubs can learn from each other, share expertise and knowledge and make the Crofts a hotbed of rugby in Warwickshire’
Training for the new summer season will commence this week (w/c13/04/09) Wednesday 15th 6.30 pm at the Crofts - all players welcome.
The clubs inaugural match is on Sunday 10th May versus the Birmingham Bulldogs at The Crofts. The match forms part of a charity fun day of sport and entertainment which also sees live music, barbeque, a rugby 10 a side tournament family entertainment and special guests.
The world of rugby leagues’ newest club was launched at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington Spa on Wednesday 8th April 2009.
Founder member Ash Howlett has been amazed at the interest in the sport and the club in the few weeks of its existence:
‘With over a hundred players, volunteers and supporters registering at our Facebook page, we have had a really good response and everyone involved in the club is really looking forward to pulling on a shirt or just getting involved. It’s also great to have Heritage Timber of Upton, on board as shirt sponsor for the season. Thanks to Neal and his team for their generous support. We have also received generous support from the Student Rugby League Alumni, which has set us on our way to building the club for Leamington ’
The Royals will don their colours for the first time when they entertain a Warwickshire XIII on Sunday 10th May – so come along and enjoy some summer rugby. Royals Chairman Mark Croston is looking forward to seeing the sport flourish in Warwick District:
‘With Warwickshire being well known as the birthplace of rugby, we are looking forward to joining the rugby league family in the region. With Coventry, Redditch, Rugby and Birmingham close by and eight clubs in the region - we will do all we can to grow the sport and most importantly have some fun along the way. The interest we have had has been encouraging, although we need as much support as we can get - so please get in touch if you can help, want to play or are just curious.. We have also established a junior section welcoming players of all ages and abilities - so come along and get involved’
The Rugby Football Leagues Regional Development Manager David Butler sees the birth of the new club as another milestone for the sport in the region:
‘The birth of Leamington Royals brings the total of Rugby League clubs in the West Midlands to eight and adds the county of Warwickshire to the growing picture of Rugby League’s national expansion. The club has been very pro-active in its establishment and has made use of the Rugby League network available in the area and I am very much looking forward to seeing their hard work in establishing the club being rewarded with some on field success in the Kukri Midlands Rugby League.’
The club unveiled their playing colours at the launch with replicas and other merchandise now on sale at the by visiting www.akumarugby.com
For any queries regarding the Club or Launch Event please email
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For details of rugby league in this area, please visit www.rfl.uk.com
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