Rugby League history will be made on Sunday (19th July) at the Grattan Stadium when the first British Pakistan XIII make their competitive bow against the Great Britain Under 18s Community Lions, in a curtain raiser to the engage Super League clash between Bradford and Wigan.
The British Pakistan side has come about thanks to a unique collaborative venture between the Connecting Communities Project, Rugby League European Federation, Bradford City Council, Bradford College, Bradford University and the Bradford Bulls.
The side will carry the logos of the Rugby League European Federation, who have funded their distinctive green, white, blue & red kit because of the cultural ties between Pakistan and Europe and ‘Connecting Communities’, part of the Leeds Rugby Foundation.
The British Pakistan side is supported by BARA, the British Asian Rugby Association, whose Director Ikram Butt is also the Manager for the groundbreaking ‘Connecting Communities’ Project.
Commenting on the match he said, “this a unique opportunity to spread the code into the Asian community and make a statement about our Britishness.”
“A number of agencies have come together to make it possible and the support of Kevin Rudd at the RLEF – who came with me on a trip to Pakistan to see the potential for the sport over there – and Emma Rosewarne at the RFL has been outstanding.”
''A significant sponsorship contribution has be made by Apex Homes who's name will feature across the chest of jersey's and we would like to thank them for there tremendous support.''
Guests who have confirmed their attendance are; Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Neil Turner MP Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Bradford Council Chief Executive Tony Reeves & Phil Barker, Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Naveeda Ikram, and Ronnie Todd from Bradford College who has been a prime mover for the match.
The GB Community Lions are using the game as preparation for their forthcoming tour to Australia.
Ikram Butt, the first Muslim rugby international, may be tempted to don his boots as part of the initial 22-man British Pakistan squad.
“The team comprises of players born in the UK and Ireland and aims to celebrate our geographical and cultural heritage, which are equally important to us” he commented.
“The event is also part of our ongoing efforts to raise the profile of the City of Bradford and support the development of the Odsal Village scheme.”
“We are also extremely grateful to the Leeds Rhinos who have kindly allowed us to train at their first class facilities at Kirkstall for the past three weeks.”
“Our next venture will be to play against West Yorkshire Police in mid August.”
“The plan is to then organise a similar programme of events for British-Indian and British-Bangladeshi sides in the New Year, culminating in a Tri Nation 9’s event at the Bradford MELA in June 2010.”
The pic below from left to right, Phil Barker, Junaid Malik, Kashif Khwaja, Tony Reeves, Ryan Duckett & Ikram Butt
