Rugby League hit Budapest at the weekend, with our very own Partner School officer Dane Weatherill making his debut for Hungary in a European 7 aside tournament.
The the Hungarian team took part in the tournament also involving Irleand RL (RLI), Oldham St. Anne's representing England and another native Hungarian team the Elefántok (the Elephants).
Ireland, who fielded the likes of former Wakefield Trinity, York, Hull scrum-half Kevin Harkin, together with Paul McDermott (who starred for York, Wakefield, Sheffield Eagles and Rochdale Hornets) and ex-Oldham, Great Britain and Ireland centre Des Foy – beat the Hungary team 7-6 in the final in extra time.
As a result of this festival of Rugby League the Hungarian Rugby League Federation and Rugby League Ireland have sorted a long term agreement to repeat the tournament, multiple times a year in a bid to help grow participation levels in Hungary.
After making his debut in the tournament Weatherill said: “It was a fantastic day of Rugby League in Budapest, it was great to see the improvement from the boys in only a short space of time, it also helped me improve on my Hungarian communication skills, which still need some practice”.
Next up for Weatherill, who has been named vice captain of the Hungarian national side is his full international bow against Poland in July.