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Player Pathway

Whilst many players are happy to just play for their clubs some may want to try and test themselves and play at a higher level.

Those players who want to do this will have to follow the RFL’s Player Pathway.

Below are some examples of how players can progress their playing careers at both youth and open age levels.

Service Areas

The Service Area programme is aimed at identifying and developing players who may have the potential to play at the elite levels of the game.

Service Area is the second stage of the RFL Player Development Model and sits above the Community Game.

It is positioned to develop basic individual technical skills, tactical understanding and physical development of players aged from under 13 to under 16.

For more information on the Service Area programme contact the RFL’s Performance & Coaching Department on 0113 237 5019 or via e-mail at performanceandcoaching@rfl.co.uk

Community Lions (Male)

Representing the Community Lions is the highest representative honour in the Community Game.

The Lions concept was introduced following the formation of the Community Board in 2005 and since then sides at both open age and under 18 level regularly play games at both home and abroad.

Open Age

The Great Britain Community Lions open age side draws on players from BARLA, Student RL, Rugby League Conference and the Combined Services.

The side is the only one within the Community Game that represents Great Britain and is open to all Community players via a clear and open selection policy.

The current head coach and manger roles are filled by Jimmy Taylor and Jimmy Aspinall respectively.

Under 18

The Community Lions under 18 side is made up of the best players from across the country and selection follows the Service Area programme where players are selected to represent their local area in two game series.

Whist the under 18 side plays as Great Britain when on tour and in occasional “one off” games, the England moniker will be used for the majority of the time, with separate sides run for Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Players from all sides will come together to play for GB.

Current York City Knights boss Dave Woods is the head coach of the Great Britain side, whilst Kelvin Lockett is head coach of the England side. Charlie Bray is manager of both teams.

Community Lions Operational Guidelines

Community Lions Operational Rules (0.86mb)

England Women

The female game has been integrated throughout all RFL departments with the Performance department looking after the England World Cup Squad as well as overseeing the U14, U16 Girls and Women’s Counties teams.

In the Under 14 and Under 16 age groups there is an annual North West v Yorkshire clash held in September and women at the pinnacle of the performance pathway have the opportunity to represent their country.

For more information on the England team visit http://www.englandrl.co.uk/englandrl.php?id=443