History was made last Saturday when the inaugural Cambodia National Rugby League (CNRL) showcase took place at Kampot Province Stadium in southern Cambodia.
The event featured an open training session for the residents of Kampot to learn the skills of the code, before a series of exhibition games between the Cambodia Rugby League affiliated teams and was the latest step by the CNRL to establish Rugby League in the country.
Formed in 2019, the CNRL’s ability to establish a local presence was significantly impacted by COVID-19 in the region, forcing many on the ground activities to be postponed until this year.
Making up for lost time, the CNRL have been working extensively across the Asian nation and now boast five affiliate clubs. These being the Riverside Eels, Tonsai Khan Thong XIII (Rabbitohs), Garudas Cambodia, Tigers and Kampot Dragons.
These clubs will form the foundation of the CNRL domestic competition, with Saturday’s event the first time inter-club games have taken place in Cambodia.
