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X-League

7 Jun 2023

International X-League Festival confirmed ahead of Grand Prix this Saturday

International X-League Festival confirmed ahead of Grand Prix this Saturday

The scheduling of an International X-League Festival has been confirmed ahead of the third Grand Prix of the season which will take place at Melrose Playing Field - the home of Oldham Owls – on Saturday (June 10.)

Bedford Tigers A.R.L.F.C will welcome the England Lionhearts and fellow home nations Ireland and Scotland on September 3 for a range of test matches and development activities.

The England squad has now been selected after successful trials at Orrell St. James and Bedford Tigers - with some set to feature at this weekend’s Grand Prix in Oldham. Over 70 players will take part in the event with teams from across the country gathering at Melrose Playing Field for another thrilling X-League Grand Prix.

Six Grand Prix’ will take place throughout the year with teams collecting points at each individual event with the team that has earned the most points at the end of the final Grand Prix in November crowned winners.

England Lionhearts Head Coach, Chris Coates, says:

“We’re already halfway through the season and leading up to the third X-League Grand Prix of the year, so I am really pleased we have been able to confirm that an International Festival will be taking place in September. 

“It has been an exciting process finalising the England Lionhearts squad and I would like to congratulate the team on their selection. The Festival on September 3 will be a great way for us to celebrate X-League with International test matches which will be played alongside a number of development games which will hopefully help us introduce some new participants to the game.”

X-League is a fast-paced, all-action, limited contact variation of the game part of the Rugby Football League’s social offer which also includes Masters, Tag and Touch. The action on Saturday will kick off at 12:30pm and anyone interested in giving X-League a go should contact Bradley.Kelk@rfl.co.uk.

The following players have been selected to represent the England Lionhearts in 2023:

  • Ben Adams (Warrington Warriors)
  • Chris Billinge (Warrington Titans)
  • Alex Flint (Warrington Warriors)
  • Tony Higham (Warrington Titans)
  • Cameron Love (Brighton & Hove)
  • Jordan Marshall (Bedford Tigers)
  • Liam McGinnity (Oldham Owls)
  • Ben McGuinness (Brighton & Hove)
  • Danny Moran (Oldham St Annes)
  • Carl Mercer (Warrington Titans)
  • Ste Ogden (Warrington Titans)
  • Matt Park (Oldham Owls)
  • Des Thompson (Warrington Titans)
  • Andy Waugh (Oldham St Annes)
  • Darren Whitfield (Warrington Warriors

Click here to see all the dates!