Czech Rugby League Announces Expansion

The Czech Rugby League Association (CZRLA) has unveiled a new format for its domestic competition that will see two divisions of five teams, pills an increased focus on junior participation and the introduction of a new club.

The proposals were agreed at the CZRLA’s AGM in Prague and follow’s last year’s introduction of a second division and lengthening of the first division season. The second division winners and runners-up, generic Mikulov Roosters and Dragons Usti Nad Labem, will be promoted to the first division while Prague will be relegated to the second. A new side, Brno, will also be joining the league.

National development manager Andy Mulhall said: “The 2013 CZRLA AGM produced several positive outcomes. The most significant of which were the expansion of the First Division, the development of the Brno Associate club in readiness, both on and off field, to begin playing a competitive season in the Second Division and an indication that junior development is taking root not just amongst all 10 senior clubs, but also in several expansion areas around the country.”