The major goal of the Portuguese Rugby League Association (PRLA) is the establishment of a rugby league base in Portugal.
The sport of rugby league is not foreign to Portugal, with many European super league (professional rugby league teams in England) teams including St Helens, traveling there for pre-season camps.
In order for Portugal to be considered a rugby league playing nation and eligible to compete in rugby league world cup qualifiers, a rugby league competition or tournament must be played in Portugal on an annual basis.
The PRLA would be looking at establishing both junior and open age rugby league competitions.
There are a number of proposals that have been presented to and by the PRLA Board of Management.
Proposal A:
A week long rugby league carnival to be staged at a central venue that would include rugby league education programs and culminate with a rugby league competition on the weekend.
Example of Proposal A
Monday AM Introduction to rugby league workshop PM Coaching rugby league workshop
Tuesday AM Refereeing rugby league workshop
Wednesday (Juniors) AM skills sessions PM team sessions and round one
Wednesday (Open Age) AM skills sessions PM team sessions and round one
Thursday (Juniors) Junior rugby league matches (rounds two to four) Presentation at end of day
Thursday (Open Age) Rugby League matches (rounds two to four) Presentation at end of day. Representative team selected.
Friday AM Representative team session PM Representative game one.
Saturday AM Representative team session PM Representative game two.
Sunday AM Representative team session PM Representative game three.
Key points:
Monday and Tuesday workshops designed for coaches and officials
Wednesday junior players skills sessions and team training
Thursday juniors play rugby league matches
Thursday / Friday open age rugby league matches
Saturday and Sunday allocated for further matches or representative tournaments
In the event of representative invitational touring teams, Portugal team selected on Thursday night
Time of scheduling: June
Participants: local and oversees rugby league, rugby union and football players.
Representative teams: Invitational touring rugby league teams.
