The American Youth Rugby League Association in association with the Rhode Island Rebellion and Boston 13s Rugby League Teams are Launching a Under 23 Rugby League Competiton in the area. Those between the ages of 16 and 22 are eligible to participate. 

We are playing a modified version of Rugby League called 9's, using a football field length and width. 

The competition is launching this spring. Games are on Sundays and trainings will be held on Wednesday nights. 

The best part is this, we are organizing a American Youth Rugby League Association U23 American Team that will play in the USA Rugby League International 9's Tournament this May vs. teams from Fiji, Australia, British Columbia, New Zealand and Jamaica in addition to other USARL Teams.

This is the first-ever U23 American Team in history. We will be picking about a third to a half of the team out of the best players in this competition. 

Additionally, as always the Rebellion as well as the Boston 13s will be looking closely at the participants and possibly inviting the participants to Join their team or reserve grade team this summer.

Interested Participants should email Mike@AYRLA.Org /Peers@Boston13s.com. 

What is Rugby League?

In 1895 rugby split into two versions. The biggest difference is that in Rugby League there are 6 downs and when tackled in Rugby League there is no fighting for the ball (known as a Ruck) as there is in Rugby Union.

Rugby union has more laws than rugby league and it has been described as being more a complex game. Rugby league in turn has been described as a simpler game that is easier for spectators to understand as there are fewer stoppages and a better flow to the game. Mat Rogers, an Australian dual-code rugby international player, said, "Rugby union is very complicated and rugby league is much more simple in comparison."

What is Rugby League 9s?

The same as rugby league laws with the following exceptions.

• Each team is allowed a squad of up to 15 players, with no more than 9 players on the field at any time. Unlimited substitutions are allowed from a named bench of 4 players.
• Each half starts with a place kick.
• Insead of scrums when a ball is passed forward, it will result in a turnover.
• Conversions after a successful try take the form of drop kicks. Players from the team that has conceded the score do not have to retire behind the try line but must not interfere with any conversion attempt.
• When points have been scored the team against which points have been scored will receive a drop kick from the team that scored (must travel at least 10 meters).