NETHERLANDS RUGBY LEAGUE ANNOUNCE FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Nederlandse Rugby League Bond has confirmed its full senior international programme for the remainder of 2025, which will see its men’s and women’s teams playing two bilateral internationals each.

The men’s team will also compete in European Rugby League’s Euro B competition, facing Malta away and Serbia at home.

The campaign commences on Saturday October 4 with a double header against Ireland at The Bassetts in Sassenheim, which sees the women kick off at 2pm ahead of the men at 4.30pm.

The following Sunday, the men’s team host Ukraine at RC Octopus, Uden with 3pm kick off in final preparation for travelling to Malta for their Euro B opener, before hosting Serbia in Oisterwijk on October 25 (kick off 3pm).

The final game of the year will see Netherlands women take on Greece at RC Sparta, Rotterdam on December 13, a reverse of Netherlands women’s first-ever game played on 9 December 2023 in Athens, which saw a 14-0 victory for the Oranje.

NRLB president, Craig Shepherd, commented:  "These fixtures represent an exciting step forward for the Nederlandse Rugby League Bond as we continue our journey of growth and development.

“For the men, competing against Malta and Serbia in Euro B will give us a real measure of our progress, while warm-up games with Ireland and Ukraine provide vital international experience for our squad.

“We are equally proud to see our women’s team preparing to take on Ireland and Greece, further showcasing the talent and commitment of Dutch rugby league at all levels. Each opportunity strengthens our foundations and helps prepare us for the future.”

Shepherd added: “With our ambition of achieving full International Rugby League membership by mid-2027, these games are more than just fixtures - they are milestones on our path to establishing rugby league in the Netherlands as a competitive and respected force.”