British Army hosts pre-season Super League meetings

Key representatives from all 12 British Super League clubs attended the Army Headquarters North in Catterick last week for a number of meetings arising from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between British Army North and the RFL last autumn.

Heads of Youth and Player Well-Being Managers enjoyed a tour of the Army's impressive facilities before holding their usual pre-season discussions with the RFL and Rugby League Cares - hours before York Knights kicked off the 2026 Betfred Super League campaign with their stunning victory over champions Hull KR.

Lt Col Andy Black, the Army's Strategic Communications Lead for HQ North, said:

"It was a pleasure to welcome the sport of Rugby League to Army Headquarters North - in the shape of the RFL, Rugby League Cares and the Heads of Youth and Player Well-Being Managers from the Super League clubs.

"Our Memorandum of Understanding was developed because of the substantial amount we have in common, and the resulting potential for us to work together.

"In collaboration with the Rugby Football League and Rugby League Cares, we explored how we can strengthen relationships and create meaningful career pathways for young players within a sport that shares so many core values with the British Army — discipline, resilience, teamwork and selfless commitment.

"Not every talented young player will secure a long-term professional contract. But that doesn’t mean the end of their rugby journey or their potential. Through closer collaboration with Super League clubs, we’re opening conversations about how individuals can continue to pursue their rugby aspirations while building a rewarding career serving in the Armed Forces.

"Our visit to the Infantry Training Centre was a powerful reminder of what those pathways can look like in practice. We heard directly from members of staff who have competed at Army and Armed Forces representative level, individuals who have successfully balanced elite sport with military service.

"This is about broadening horizons, supporting player welfare beyond the game, and ensuring that young people understand the full range of opportunities available to them."

Martin Coyd OBE, who joined the RFL Board as an Executive Director in 2025 after more than three decades in the sport including a key role in lifting the ban on Rugby League being played in the Armed Services in 1994, added:

"I am proud and excited that our sport is forging a unique partnership with the Armed Forces. On behalf of the RFL, Rugby League Cares and the many Super League representatives who attended, it was an honour to be invited - and the potential for future co-operation is enormous."

Steve McCormack, Director of Welfare for RL Cares, said:

"The work done by the network of Player Well-Being Managers is such an important part of the infrastructure of the Super League competition, and we're grateful to them all for making the trip to Catterick for our pre-season meeting. Rugby League Cares are pleased to be part of the sport's developing partnership with the Army Headquarters North and the Armed Forces in general, and for myself and my colleagues Adrian Morley and Francis Stephenson, who is currently focused on the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, it was a very worthwhile day."