The 2013 Rugby League European Bowl will feature the Czech Republic, Norway and Ukraine with the biggest ever prize attached for the victors. State of Mind would like to wish all competing nations all the very best of luck for the tournament as the winning nation will be promoted to the 2014-15 European Shield.
Played annually since 2008, the Bowl reverts back to the triangular format used in 2009, when Ukraine won on their only appearance. They open proceedings on 6th July at home to Norway.
Warren Heilig, the head of Norwegian rugby league, is equally focused. “Rugby League Norge is enormously proud to take part in the 2013 European Bowl. We know the step up in class will be a tough assignment for our boys but that the guys will rise to the occasion. It would be an unbelievable feat to make the European Shield.”
Warren can be seen supporting State of Mind on the right
“The CZRLA is greatly looking forward to defending the European Bowl against very strong opposition in 2013,” noted head coach Andy Mulhall. “This provides a great opportunity for our national team players to measure their development and experience a higher level of competition then they have previously been exposed to. Next season will see an expansion once again in Czech domestic Rugby League participation and activity and the incentive of playing in the Bowl for our top stars is a big one.”
GAME 1 – 6 JULY 2013
UKRAINE v NORWAY, Dinamo Stadium, Kharkov, Ukraine
GAME 2 – 13 JULY 2013
NORWAY v CZECH REPUBLIC, Bislett Stadium, Oslo, Norway
GAME 3 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2013
CZECH REPUBLIC V UKRAINE, Municipal Stadium, Vrchlabi, Czech Republic