GB Pioneers ran out 54-10 winners in a very physical game against Ghana All Stars. Medway Dragons player Ryan Dowsett made his first appearance for the GB Pioneers. Ryan is studying at St Mary's University in West London and captains the University Team

Dragons Head Coach Martin Coyd said ‘This is another great news story coming out of the Dragons. Ryan was a foundation member, crucial in our early days and he made a big difference to our culture. He did very well at London Broncos academy and is now making a difference playing Rugby league in Africa ! How good is that ?

‘Ryan is also running out with our men’s team this summer and is crucial to that team as we get to the business end of the season. As each year passes by, the reach of players who began and developed their capabilities at Medway Dragons gets wider and more influential. As well as great for the players, it is a real reward for our volunteers who put in so much unseen hard work’

The GB Pioneers were formed in 2005 and is Rugby League squad made predominantly from students that travels to new up and coming countries to help in their development of Rugby League, to help pioneer the way forward for them. The Pioneers made their inaugural tour in 2005 to Estonia and have had successful development tours to the Czech Republic, Latvia, Ukraine, Norway, Kazakhstan, Greece and last year to Poland. Each country has gone on to develop and play rugby league domestically and internationally at varying degrees all thanks to the work and help of the Pioneers.

Since those visits each country has played games against a variety of teams and each continues to do so as rugby league international competition grows throughout Europe and now Asia. The majority of these countries now play their own local competition which is governed by the Rugby League European Federation. The Student Rugby League is proud of the contribution the Pioneers have made.

Squad members are ambassadors for their University, Country and their sport. Selection criteria considers not only their ability to play the game to a very high standard but players must have a proven track record in undertaking Rugby League development activity.
Selection alone is recognition of the individual’s contribution to the game. Members join a select group of individuals – the ‘Pioneers’. There is satisfaction from knowing you have created a ‘first’