Hemel Stags

Infobox_esl_club | clubname = Hemel Stags


fullname = Hemel Stags Rugby League Club"
emblem = Stag
colours = Blue and yellow
founded = 1981
sport = Rugby league
league = Rugby League Conference National Division
ground = Pennine Way (Coordinates: 51°46′04.87″N, 0°27′12.83″W)
web = [http://www.hemelstags.com www.hemelstags.com]

Hemel Stags are a rugby league team based in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire playing in the Rugby League Conference National Division. In 2008, Hemel Stags A are playing in the London League.

The club has played in a number of leagues over the years, from the London League, MASWARLA, National Conference League and the Alliance League. The dilemma for the club was how to raise standards without the costs of constant trips to the stronger leagues in the North of England.

History

Hemel Stags were founded in 1981 and as such are major pioneers of rugby league in the south of England. For the first 14 years of existence it was difficult to operate as a rugby league club because of the restrictions placed on rugby union players by the RFU. This meant that union players who wanted to play rugby league risked being banned from playing rugby union for life.

They spent three seasons in the National Conference League Premier Division between 1993 and 1996. They were relegated from the Premier division in 1995/96 finishing bottom, having played 22 won 4 and lost 18, scored 288 points with 619 against. After relegation Hemel resigned, spent a year in the LARL then returned to the Alliance for two seasons 1997 and 1998 winning it in 1998 before joining the RLC after it was abandoned.

After several years in the Rugby League Conference they entered the newly formed National League 3 in 2003 and have progressed steadily to become one of the front runners in 2006.

2006 also saw the club enter the Northern Rail Cup, where they met local rivals St Albans Centurions as well as professional outfits London Skolars and Celtic Crusaders. They finished in second place in the 2006 league table and qualified through the play-offs for the Grand Final, where they lost to Bramley Buffaloes by 30 points to 8.

The club also has an active development policy in the town and a number of schools and junior sides supported by the development officer.

Two Hemel players, Jack Howieson and Simon Tillyer, went on to play professionally for the Sheffield Eagles.

France Rugby Union defence coach David Ellis once coached at the club

External links

* [http://www.hemelstags.com Official site]