London Skolars and Harlequins Rugby League are pleased to announce the sixth annual ETF Securities Capital Challenge will take place on Friday 22nd January, 2010 at 1.45pm.
The yearly event sees London’s two professional rugby league clubs go head to head at the esteemed HAC Artillery Ground in the heart of the City of London.
The ETF Securities Capital Challenge is organised by Skolars, Harlequins and London RL to offer rugby league fans and newcomers to the sport a chance to experience an exhilarating and competitive match in a unique setting.
As in previous years, both sides are expected to field strong sides – including new star signings and international players – as the teams prepare for their forthcoming seasons.
The two clubs share a very healthy and reciprocal relationship off the field and are pioneering a dual-registration system to allow them to mutually benefit from the capital’s best talent. However, this will be put to one side when they take the pitch.
Super League side Harlequins are the reigning Capital Challenge trophy holders but Skolars will be hoping to avenge last year’s result under their new coach, James Massara.
Harlequins Rugby League head coach, Brian McDermott said:
“Over the years this fixture has grown in stature to become a hold a very important place in our calendar. People involved in rugby league in London have an inner drive which makes them go above and beyond, and that makes events like this possible.
“The match is a great competitive event and as well as producing a spectacle for fans and City workers, it’s very valuable to both teams in preparing for the forthcoming season.”
Hector McNeil, chairman of London Skolars and ETF Securities said:
“The ETF Securities Capital Challenge has grown considerably in its short history and is developing into a flagship event on the London sporting calendar.
“Harlequins and Skolars are working together closer than ever before off the field, but it’s great to get a chance to pit our two teams against each other on the field.”
The RFL London Business Development Manager, Ady Spencer commented:
“On behalf of London RL and the RFL can I say how excited we are to be continuing our relationship with the HAC and ETF Securities. This August we enjoyed a fantastic corporate touch tournament under a sun-baked sky with participation from many of the City’s major institutions and it is fantastic to be back going back in the winter for the 6th year in a row for another ‘Capital Challenge’.”
Another exciting aspect of the 2010 Challenge is the Political Animals taking on a Media XIII. The Political Animals are made up from individuals and associates of the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group and featured for the first time at Augusts Friday Night Lights.
Details of the Political Animals v Media XIII will be announced at a later date.
For further information please contact Paul Thorman on 020 8888 8488 or
paulthorman@skolarsrl.com.
The ETF Securities Capital Challenge
Harlequins Rugby League v London Skolars
Friday 22nd January 2010, 1.45pm kick-off
HAC Artillery Ground, London, EC1Y 2BO
