Hungary national rugby league team

Updated on Jan 21, 2024

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Full name Magyar Bulls Location Budapest, Hungary Date founded 2011		Nickname(s) Bulls Captain(s) David Farkas

President Zsolt Lukács, Stephen Németh Coach(es) Adam Nunn (player-coach in 2011 season), John Wilson

The Hungary national rugby league team represents Hungary in the sport of rugby league football. They made their international debut on 23 July in the 2011 European Bowl tournament. [2]

History and setting up

Magyar Bulls RLFC, Hungary's National Rugby League team was founded in Budapest in May 2011 by members of the Budapest Exiles RFC, keen to try rugby league and with an open invitation to other teams in Hungary to send players - all with the objective of honouring an invitation to play in the CEE European Bowl competition vs. the Czech Republic.

From small beginnings on a Monday evening, on Margit Island, in the middle of the Danube, the squad has grown to be able to select a nucleus of 20 players to play against the Czech Republic on 23 July. The pull of playing international RL has seen enquiries to train and play from a number of other clubs in Hungary as well as players of Hungarian origin who have travelled back to play from Italy and the UK. In 2013, Tour in Paris and Hungary played its first fully sanctioned international against Greece. Greece featured players like Michael Korkidas and Braith Anasta.

In 2014, Tour in Paris again and Hungary competed in the inaugural Balkans Cup tournament in Serbia. This was Hungary's first International tournament. Hungary finished the overall tournament in fourth place. They also made history in the tournament, as they recorded their first ever international try in their match with Bosnia. In 2015 Tour in Belgrade on Euro 9' Tournament

Hungarian National Rugby League in Australia

In 2016, Hungary began searching for players in Australia of Hungarian heritage to play for Hungary. This was met with resounding response, with many quality players putting their name down. Several training sessions were held in Sydney by coach John Wilson and manager Stephen Németh.

On Saturday the 4th of February 2017, Hungary played their first test match outside of Europe against Uruguay who were making their International debut, in front of 500 spectators. Hungary ran away with the game 50-4 in a dominant display. The team consisted of only Australian players with Hungarian heritage. This was also Hungary's first test match victory across any continent. The four Farkas brothers were outstanding, scoring 30 of the 50 points between themselves alone, with Aaron Farkas accumulating 16 himself in a spectacular performance at hooker.

On Wednesday the 8th of February 2017, just 4 days after the first test played outside of the Europe, Hungary played their second against a stronger Thailand side, featuring ex NRL and Super league coach Brian Smith, in front of 100 spectators. Hungary opened up the scoring with 2 quick tries, before scoring 2 more before the half. Thailand came out strong in the second half scoring first points, however Hungary were too strong and ran out 44-10 winners becoming just their second test match victory since the teams origin 6 years prior. The game was almost called off as the night before, a storm washed out the majority of Sydney's Rugby League fields. Just hours before kickoff, the game was rescheduled at Endeavor Sports High School, instead of the original venue, Erskineville Oval.

Affiliations

RLEF - Rugby League Europe Federation

In June 2013, Hungary was granted Observer status by the RLEF, having successfully completed the first round of requirements to move up the ladder as an international organisation - this has made the Federation eligible for additional support incl. coaching, training and financial assistance. (http://www.rlef.eu.com/news/article/633/hungary-and-saudi-arabia-awarded)

Notable players of Hungarian Heritage: - Sándor Earl - Blaine Rozs - Nicky Kiss - David Farkas