We are looking forward to hosting Barrow Island next month as the Betfred Challenge Cup begins for another year. Although we have taken on several Cumbrian sides in past Cup competitions namely Lowca, Kells and most recently Walney Central we have never played Barrow Island before. The Club was established in 1935 and has played competitive Rugby League to the present day. The clubs first entry into the Challenge Cup was in the 1988/89 season when the competition was then known as the Silk Cut Challenge Cup and this will be the clubs first foray into the competition since 2020. Away from Cup Rugby Barrow Island play their League matches in the National Conference League 2nd Division having finished 4th last season.
https://www.facebook.com/BarrowIslandARLFC
Besides the open age teams the club has a thriving junior section known as the Barrow Island Bulldogs
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057799503905

Whilst this a is the first meeting between the two clubs there is a (very) tenuous link to the clubs, a bit of an ‘anorak’ fact but here we go! In our first ever match as RNRL we played a British Amateur Rugby League (BARLA) U-23 rep side at Burnaby Road. The match was the starting point for RNRL and as such is considered the official ‘Day 1’ of RNRL. Amongst the BARLA side that day was Chris McGee who at the time played for Barrow Island! Told you it was tenuous
So to the match detail, please note the early-ish kick off time
RNRL v Barrow Island
Saturday 11th February
Kick Off 1pm
USSG Burnaby Road
Portsmouth
PO1 2EJ

This will be a tough fixture to start our new season so please join us on the day to support the Brothers, as always access to Burnaby Road is open to all spectators both Service and civilian with free admission to everyone, bar facilities will be available

Kia Kaha