Greek Rugby League Association

The Greek Rugby League Federation (GRLF), formerly Greek Rugby League Association (GRLA), is the governing body for the sport of rugby league football in Greece since 2017 and officially recognised by the Greek Ministry of Sports in August 2022.

Greek Rugby League Federation
Founded2017
ERL affiliation2017 (observer)
2018 (affiliate)
ResponsibilityGreece
HeadquartersAthens
Key peopleGeorge Stilianos (President)
CoachSteve Georgallis
Websitewww.greekrl.com
Greece

History

The GRLA was formed in 2017 following the expulsion of the Hellenic Federation of Rugby League from the Rugby League European Federation (now European Rugby League) the previous year. The body was accorded observer status with the RLEF in March 2017,[1] and affiliate status in March 2018.[2] Due to the Hellenic Federation holding government recognition via its integration with the Hellenic Federation of Modern Pentathlon, any matches held under the GRLA were de facto illegal under Greek law.[3]

In August 2022 the GRLA was finally recognised as the official body for the sport from the Greek state and received the national federation status. [4][5][6] This recognition brought to an end the situation where the national team played 'home' fixtures abroad or in secret.[7][8] The first international home[9] game of the national team (women) took place in October 2022 at Gorytsa Park field, Aspropyrgos.

See also

References
  1. "Greek Rugby League Association awarded observer status". European Rugby League. 27 March 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2021. "Greek Rugby League Association."
  2. "Greece Rugby League Association admitted to RLEF". European Rugby League. 14 March 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  3. "Why rugby league was banned in Greece, and their 'crazy' odyssey to the 2022 World Cup". 28 October 2022.
  4. Economou, Alex (2022-08-04). "Ministry of Culture and Sports recognises Greek Rugby League". NEOS KOSMOS. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  5. "Greek Rugby League Federation Finally Receives Official Recognition From Greek Government – Greek City Times". Greek City Times. 2 August 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  6. "Ban on rugby league in Greece lifted ahead of World Cup". Rugby League International Federation. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  7. "How Greece Beat Their Own Government To Qualify For The Rugby League World Cup". The Sportsman. 11 November 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  8. "The 10-year battle to play league in Greece". wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  9. "Greece to host Women's Euro B clash in first fixture since ban lifted". Rugby League International Federation. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
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