AMNRL continues to
expand nationally.
The Western AMNRL gets ready to kickoff in 2006.

Following on from the expansion developments in Boston, Chicago and Jacksonville, Florida, the AMNRL have developed plans to cater for the huge interest in Rugby League in the western regions of the USA. Headed up by former Tomahawks International Loren Broussard and former NY Knights player Mathias Mat, Rugby League is making tremendous progress out west.

Recently a scrimmage match was played in Arizona which brought together a number of local Rugby League enthusiasts. This opportunity brought together players from Utah and Arizona to face off in a evening of rugby football on May 28. The night opened with hard running and hard hitting from both clubs. 'No fear' was the motto for the first half. Arizona put the first points on the board at the 25 min mark and converted the kick. Utah was not going to let down easy. Utah's hard running forwards made yards, but the Arizona's defense were not to be pushed around. Utah had chances not capitalized on, and Arizona was unable to get the ball to the wings for points. Back and forth for another 10 min til Utah found an opportunity with Arizona on its heals, put a quick try on the board, 7-7 at half. It seemed the heat of he Arizona summer would take a toll on the Utah team, but no doing. Utah kept bringing it to the Arizona side. Fitness and heart played a key role in the outcome of the game. Fatigue set in quick as both teams showed times of lagging and poor decisions. Utah realizing the weakness of Arizona backs, began to open play and quick ball down the back line to outside backs. This wise decision added another 7 points to the Utah board. The game, to be one of many to come, was a great step for Rugby League to make its presence known on the westcoast.

The AZRL is working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America in Phoenix, Arizona to promote and foster the development of youth in sports. Currently, the BGCA are partnering up with AZRL for a 2005 summer camp to be held July 5-8, 2005. this camp is open to boys and girls of all ages and will participate in an age group appropriate tournament to be held on July 9, 2005. For more information about rugby league in the western states, visit www.rugbyleague13.us or www.azrl.com or www.wamnrl


If you are intereted in getting involved with the WAMNRL please contact Loren at azrlfc@yahoo.com or Mathias at kingmathiasmat@yahoo.com

More news on the developing Western AMNRL and plans for development in Texas coming soon.