The Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) is the umbrella body for Rugby League playing nations in Europe and the Northern Hemisphere. It oversees and co-ordinates the development of the sport in all its member countries.
England, France and Russia are currently the full member countries, which entitles them to a greater proportion of voting rights and to become members of the International Federation (RLIF).
The RLEF has a number of associate member countries, such as; Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Serbia and Lebanon.
The RLEF also has a number of Official Observers, such as; Georgia, Holland, Germany, Austria, Estonia, Czech Republic, Morocco, Malta, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Latvia, Ukraine, Norway & Sweden.
The criteria for Associate Membership are as follows:
- Implementation of a Constitution and Rules that commit the Governing Body to acting in the best interest of Rugby League, throughout the whole of their country.
- Production of an annual financial report
- A League competition with at least four teams
- Implementation of a junior development programme
The current RLEF Board consists of:
- Richard Lewis (Chairperson)
- Nicolas Larrat (Vice Chairperson)
- Nigel Wood (Treasurer)
- Christophe Jouffret (Board Member)
Background:
The Federation was formed
in January 2003 following an initiative between Richard Lewis of the Rugby Football League and Jean Paul Ferre of the French Federation.
The Rugby League European Federation approved the constitution and elected the first Board of Directors in January 2004.
Jean Paul Ferre was elected President/Chairman, Richard Lewis Deputy Chairman and other Board members were Nigel Wood and Nicolas Larrat.
Representatives attended from Morocco, Italy, Serbia, Russia Lebanon, Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
Particular emphasis was on generating development funding within each country.
Russia quickly became full members of the RLEF and International Federation.
