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Talking European Rugby League

Talking European Rugby League

By Rugby League European Federation

Graeme Thompson, a former Scottish international player, and board member of both the Rugby League European Federation and International Rugby League, speaks to founding figures and leading lights of Rugby League's development across Europe.
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Talking European Rugby League - Jovan Vujosevic

Talking European Rugby LeagueNov 05, 2020

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49:27
Talking European Rugby League - Roman Ovchinnokov

Talking European Rugby League - Roman Ovchinnokov

In episode twenty-two of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Roman Ovchinnokov. Roman lives in Moscow and started playing Rugby League aged eight for his father's team - Lokomotiv Moscow. Roman describes the secret to the success of Lokomotiv winning 10 Russian Championships, in his time playing for them. He recalls his international debut versus USA in Moscow in front of a crowd of 35,000. He recalls his time at West Tigers, which the-then Russia coach, Tim Sheens, organised for him. He remains very involved in Rugby League, including seeing his own son start playing the sport just as his father and grandfather. He outlines his hopes for the future of Rugby League in Russia.

Mar 18, 202140:02
Talking European Rugby League - Danny Kazandjian 2

Talking European Rugby League - Danny Kazandjian 2

In episode twenty-one of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets, again, Danny Kazandjian. This second discussion with Danny, focuses on his time as General Manager of the European Rugby League Federation from 2010 to 2018. He gives an insight into the intricacies of putting together an international calendar for both mature and fledging nations. He recalls the development of the game's footprint into Africa and some of the partnership working that was created to harness progress. Furthermore, on partnerships, he discussed how it was started with the European Union and led to numerous projects with them, which have been very significant in developing European Nations in respect of match official/coach education and governance.

Feb 25, 202147:29
Talking European Rugby League - Tom Mather

Talking European Rugby League - Tom Mather

It’s episode 20 of Talking European Rugby League and Graeme Thompson meets long-term RLEF Match Official Manager Tom Mather.


Here, Tom recounts his own career as an official and his journey towards becoming an officials educator. He highlights how significant it is for match officials, like players, to achieve international debuts.

In 2014 Tom found himself to be the sole person in the world refereeing an international match between Ukraine and Russia in 2014, whilst the countries were at war with each other over the Crimea. Tom offers insight into how Europe has developed to having a diverse set of match officials across the Confederation, including local educators. Finally, he looks to the future and would dearly love to see some of those he has worked with in the last 10 years progress to World Cup officiating.

Feb 04, 202145:18
Talking European Rugby League - Christophe Jouffret

Talking European Rugby League - Christophe Jouffret

Christophe Jouffret is Graeme Thompson’s guest on episode 19 of ‘Talking European Rugby League’. Christophe has had long involvement with Rugby League and been part of the leadership at the two most important organisations in France: the French Federation and Catalan Dragons. Christophe offers a unique insight gained from working with the RFL to bring in a French team into Super League, choosing which club that would be and, in time, joining the successful entrant: Catalan Dragons. He describes the nature of the relationship between France and England, and how France sought to help other European nations. Christophe recalls the elation of winning the Challenge Cup and reveals what he is most proud of over the last 20 years.

Jan 21, 202145:03
Talking European Rugby League - George Stilanos

Talking European Rugby League - George Stilanos

In episode 18 of ‘Talking European Rugby League’, Graeme Thompson meets George Stilanos - a central figure in Greek Rugby League for over a decade. Born and bred in Brisbane, George moved to his ancestral homeland, specifically Athens, in 2008. Here George recalls how he set up new players and domestic clubs, including overseeing the journey of players from their very first introduction to the game through to playing for their national team. George also provides unique insight into the famous ‘Midnight  Cup Final’, played during a difficult period of administrative politics for the sport in Greece. He recalls the key challenges to Greece men qualifying for 2021 World Cup, including a nail-biting win in Ukraine. Finally, George defines what success will look like for him for Greek RL from the 2021 World Cup.

Jan 07, 202145:31
Talking European Rugby League - Martin Crick

Talking European Rugby League - Martin Crick

In episode seventeen of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Martin Crick . Martin has led coach education for the last decade for the Rugby League European Federation. He describes his long history with the game and how Danny Kazandjian got him initially involved with RLEF. He recalls several trips and highlights the need to be adaptive to local knowledge of rugby league and cultural issues. He covers not just activity delivered in Europe but Americas and Middle East and Africa and how as an educator he seeks to assist them learn about the game and revels in their enthusiasm for Rugby League.

Dec 24, 202031:06
Talking European Rugby League - Dean Hardman

Talking European Rugby League - Dean Hardman

In episode sixteen of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Dean Hardman. Dean presently works at the RLWC2021 and previously was in the operations dept of the RFL. He has been involved with European events since 2008, since being asked to assist by Kevin Rudd. He talks about the range of roles he has played at matches across various countries including water carrier to trophy presenter on the same day! He gives an insight into the success of the RLWC's International development programme and the impact particularly by the men's World Cup trophy. He describes his approach to helping nations to raise their professional administration and operations standards but the need for understanding and adaptability by him in doing so.

Dec 10, 202043:01
Talking European Rugby League - John Risman

Talking European Rugby League - John Risman

In this latest episode of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets John Risman, who has coached Rugby League in 20 countries across Europe. John discusses his earliest memory of Rugby League - watching his father play in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley in 1952 - right through to his recent trip to Serbia. He reflects on the influence of his father, Gus, a Rugby League Hall of Fame member, on creating a desire to educate players all over Europe - not just on the sport he loves but on life skills as well. He recalls extraordinary moments in his Rugby League coaching travels such as finding the only Scottish gondolier in Venice!"
Nov 26, 202040:08
Talking European Rugby League - Remond Safi

Talking European Rugby League - Remond Safi

In episode fourteen Graeme Thompson meets Remond Safi, a central figure in the development of Rugby League in Lebanon, the Middle East and Africa. Remond describes his "surprise" call up to military service in Lebanon, and how it was significant in creating the opportunity to get involved with Danny Kazandjian and others engaged in developing the sport there. He describes the challenge of developing the sport in at times, the ‘war zones’ of Lebanon, and how the sport changed some young people's lives for the better.
Remond also offers a unique insight into how many of the new African countries, which have been developed since 2010, were started and how it is important to understand from the offset their motivations for developing the sport.
Nov 13, 202039:36
Talking European Rugby League - Jovan Vujosevic

Talking European Rugby League - Jovan Vujosevic

In episode 13 of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Jovan Vujosevic. 

Jovan has been a central figure in European Rugby League development. The discussions focus on his introduction to the game in Serbia - and he explains why Tina Turner played a significant role in it! 

He recounts the key figures and steps as rugby league returned to Serbia at the start of the century and how previous pioneers from 50 years earlier provided a source of inspiration.He recalls the extraordinary first bus travel for his first international in Lebanon and how a heavy defeat was a key learning experience for all the squad.

Jovan also provides an insight into the critical moment in 2007, when Serbia RL fully separated itself domestically from Rugby Union.

Nov 05, 202049:27
Talking European Rugby League - Romeo Montieth

Talking European Rugby League - Romeo Montieth

In episode twelve of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Romeo Montieth. Romeo has been an instrumental figure in the development of the game in Jamaica from over 15 years ago. He recounts the instigation to Rugby League in Jamaica in 2004, which has similarities to the 1895 rebellious birth of Rugby League. He acknowledges key early figures, who created a domestic league within one year, including a memorable Grand Final, given the crowd that turned up to see this new sport in their country. He reveals which touring team, introduced the phrase "Get them onside!" to the touchlines of Jamaica. Also, how lessons were learnt since their first international encounter with USA in 2009, which eventually led to Jamaica recording their famous win over their rivals in 2018 and lead to qualifying for the 2021 Rugby League Men's World Cup"
Oct 16, 202054:40
Talking European Rugby League - Gerard Keenan and Keith Sandhu

Talking European Rugby League - Gerard Keenan and Keith Sandhu

In episode eleven of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Gerard Keenan and Keith Sandhu. Gerard and Keith have been key figures in the Great Britain Student Pioneers. The Student Pioneers have been touring in Europe, Asia and Africa for 15 years, seeking to help the development of the sport in countries relatively new to it and providing cultural experiences for GB student players. They both identify the key aspects to a successful Pioneers tour. Included in that is adaptability and they highlight some of the occasions when things turned out not to be quite as planned but success was still achieved. Gerard outlines the longest journey every taken by a group and Keith adds the unique insights of having been a Pioneer player and manager. 

Sep 24, 202047:20
Talking European Rugby League - Ben Araud

Talking European Rugby League - Ben Araud

In episode 10 of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Ben Araud, who tells the tale about his trip into the unknown as he followed his dream to play Rugby League. Ben later moved into sports management with the RLEF and gives insights into Anglo-French relationships during the first decade of the 21st century. He was at the centre of discussions as a translator, and a critical sounding board to the then-General Manager Kevin Rudd – especially in providing an alternative cultural perspective. Ben now lives in Moscow and looks back at some of the personalities and occasions he was part of at rhe RLEF.

Sep 10, 202041:16
Talking European Rugby League - Tiziano Franchini

Talking European Rugby League - Tiziano Franchini

In our ninth episode of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Tiziano Franchini, a founding figure of the game in Italy whose involvement stretches back more than 20 years. Tiziano describes his Italian team debut in the 1995 World Sevens in Australia, and how he took further opportunities to develop himself as a player and as a person, playing in France. He charts his journey in developing the game in his homeland, including 2013 and 2017 men's world cups, and shares his ultimate future goal for the sport's status in Italy.

Aug 27, 202044:36
Talking European Rugby League - Danny Kazandjian

Talking European Rugby League - Danny Kazandjian

It's episode eight of the first series of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ and Graeme Thompson meets Danny Kazandjian. Danny has had, and continues to have, significant roles in the development of the sport, and this podcast focus on his time in Lebanon. Tracing his steps back to 2002, Danny describes how he went there as a volunteer alongside his career as a sportswriter. He talks through the key activities and personnel who built up the sport, and the unique challenges that Lebanon presented. For many nations, the relationship with their Australian diaspora is important and Danny gives an insight into how he managed this relationship.

Aug 13, 202049:59
Talking European Rugby League - Steve McCormack

Talking European Rugby League - Steve McCormack

In episode seven of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Steve McCormack, who was Head Coach of Scotland from 2004 to 2017. Steve provides some critical coaching insights on how to prepare international teams, often within challenging timeframes. He reveals what his and the players' mindsets were when they took on the big three of England, Australia and New Zealand in the 2016 Four Nations tournament, which culminated with the historic draw with the Kiwis. Also, he charts the high and lows of the three World Cup campaigns he led Scotland in. All this from one of the game's most experienced international coaches, with 35 games as Head Coach.
Jul 30, 202055:19
Talking European Rugby League - Ian Thompson

Talking European Rugby League - Ian Thompson

In episode six of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ we meet Ian Thompson, the original and central figure in the development of Rugby League in the Netherlands. Originally from Cumbria, Ian recalls how a legendary figure of the sport (somebody who is part of the Rugby League statue at Wembley) initially got him into the game. He charts the ups and downs of developing the game in the Netherlands, some of the early visiting teams and the tours out made by the Dutch sides. Ian recalls the occasion when the Netherlands played Georgia in Tbilisi and explains why prior to that, his wife received a call from the First Lady of Georgia. With the Rugby League World Cup 2008 being the first ever one to have qualifying matches to it, Ian reveals the name of the very first World Cup Qualifying try-scorer (and, yes, he was Dutch!)

Jul 16, 202043:18
Talking European Rugby League - Julia Bennison

Talking European Rugby League - Julia Bennison

In this latest episode of ‘Talking European Rugby League’, your host Graeme Thompson meets Julia Bennison, a pivotal RLEF figure in supporting the development of Rugby League in eastern Europe. Russia-born Julia offers insight into some of the cultural understandings she provided, both to the RLEF and individual nations, to bring about progress for the sport.  Rugby League has become a family affair for Julia, and she describes how her son achieved youth international honours and is seeking to move into the professional ranks. Plus, she reveals the one question she would like to ask Kevin Rudd about her recruitment!

Jul 02, 202044:06
Talking European Rugby League: Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy

Talking European Rugby League: Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy

In episode four of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Tyrone McCarthy, a current Ireland international player who made his debut in 2009. Tyrone talks about his deep and committed Irish roots, primarily through his grandad, and what it meant for him to make his debut for Ireland. He compares scoring his try at Wembley in the Challenge Cup Final with crossing the whitewash for Ireland for the first time against Fiji. Tyrone also offers his own 'blueprint' for raising the profile and competition of the sport across England and all the Celtic nations.
Jun 18, 202048:51
Talking European Rugby League - Milan Mrtynek

Talking European Rugby League - Milan Mrtynek

In episode three of ‘Talking European Rugby League’, Graeme Thompson meets one of the founders of Rugby League in the Czech Republic: Milan Mrtynek. Milan recalls how the 'birth' of the sport came via an ante natal class! He provides an insight into the development of the sport from earlier this century, recalling the national side's first ever game, other key milestones and the personnel critical to the journey.


Jun 04, 202035:44
Talking European Rugby League - Graeme Thompson with Simon Cooper

Talking European Rugby League - Graeme Thompson with Simon Cooper

In episode two of Talking European Rugby League Graeme Thompson meets one of the founders of the game in Germany, Simon Cooper, who recalls how the national side came about and the contributions of those such as Anthony Seibold and Jimmy Keinhorst who went on to make names for themselves in the sport, as well as the numerous unsung heroes along the way.

May 20, 202036:55
Talking European Rugby League - Kevin Rudd

Talking European Rugby League - Kevin Rudd

The first in a series of fortnightly podcasts from the Rugby League European Federation with host Graeme Thompson. This week Graeme is in conversation with Kevin Rudd, the first ever General Manager of the European Federation. 

May 18, 202038:17