British clubs offered chance of
Serbian adventure

The Serbian Rugby League Federation is looking for a team from the UK to come and compete in this year?s East European Tournament.

Scotland A competed in last year?s highly successful inaugural event but have been forced to decline the invitation to return in 2004 because of other commitments, therefore the SRLF is looking for another British team to fill their berth.

The three-cornered event will take place in Belgrade between July 25-31 and will feature the Serbian national side, Russian club side Rostov-on-Don and a side from the British Isles.

SRLF vice-president Blagoje Stoiljkovic commented: ?Scotland very much enjoyed their time in Belgrade last year and will hopefully return next year, but we need another British side to come in their place to help make this year?s tournament just as successful.

?Rugby league in Serbia is around the same standard as the Summer Conference in England and we wish to play more teams from the UK to help us continue to develop.

?We would welcome either another representative side or a club side into our event and would do all we can to ensure they have an enjoyable stay.?

Any team wishing to compete in the tournament would need to arrive in Belgrade on Tuesday 27 July and depart on Sunday 1 August.

Lufthansa operates flights to Belgrade from both Manchester and London Heathrow via Munich, with return tickets available from just ?200 (www.lufthansa.com), with budget accommodation and internal transport being provided in Belgrade by the SRLF.

The SRLF are being represented in the UK by 1895 International (contact lionelhurst@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01242 233371). Further details concerning the East European Tournament are available from the SRLF (yurugby13@yahoo.com) or Blagoje Stoiljkovic (bisto@hip-petrohemija.co.yu) or phone 00381641256612. Alternatively, further information, including details of last year?s tournament, can be found on the SRLF web site www.rugbyxiii.co.yu

East European Tournament 2004 Schedule

Sunday, 25th July

Open age: Serbia v Rostov on Don (Russia)

Juniors (U16): Dorcol XIII Spiders (Belgrade club) v Rostov on Don (Russia)

Wednesday, 28th July

Open age: Rostov on Don (Russia) v Team from British Isles

Juniors (U16): Serbia v Rostov on Don (Russia)

Saturday, 31th July

Open age: Team from British Isles v Serbia

Juniors (U16): Serbia v Dorcol XIII Spiders (Belgrade club)