Irish Rugby League on the rise

Rugby League Ireland have announced they have finally been recognised as a national sporting body after their application was approved by the Irish Sports Council.

The application was submitted back in November of 2009 and at a meeting of the ISC council ten days ago, the application was finally approved.

RLI general manager Gordon Matthews said: ?It?s great to get recognition from the Sports Council as we continue to grow as a sport. We look forward to working alongside the ISC to develop the game here.

?Rugby league has seen a large growth in Ireland over the last couple of years and [we] are hopeful of that growth continuing in the future.

?We would like to thank the Irish Sports Council for their help throughout the application process. We would also like to thank our members who have assisted throughout.?

The approval comes on hot on the heels of a record attendance for RLI as Ireland took on France at Thomond Park this past weekend in front of 3,100 supporters.

RLI has gradually increased since 2009 when only six clubs played the sport. Now over 20 clubs play throughout Ireland and competition is always increasing. The recognition will undoubtedly help the sport continue to grow.

http://insideireland.ie/