With the ETF Securities Capital Challenge just under a month away, tickets are selling fast for the pre-match luncheon and for those that do attend, a treat is in store with the news that Brian Carney will be the guest speaker.

Carney only started playing rugby league whilst at university in his native Ireland, but his skills developed in Gaelic football soon caught the attention of talent scouts from the UK. He signed for Gateshead Thunder, who were then in the Super League. Later playing for Hull FC and Wigan Warriors, he represented Ireland and Great Britain in rugby league.

He then made another big step, joining Newcastle Knights in Australia, before switching rugby codes to play for Munster, again earning international honours. A return to Rugby League with Warrington Wolves was cut short by injury, but that has opened the door to another successful career and Carney is now a regular pundit and presenter for Sky Sports.
“I’m delighted that Brian is going to be the speaker at the pre-match luncheon” said Skolars’ General Manager Howard Kramer, “his experiences in both rugby codes will make for a very entertaining luncheon before the main event."

The ETF Securities Capital Challenge match between London Skolars and Quins RL takes place at the HAC in the City of London on Friday 21st January.

This will be the second pre-season game for Skolars. Their opening game of 2011 will be on Saturday 15 January, when they take on St Mary’s College, Twickenham at New River Stadium. Kick-off is 1pm.