History of 'The Pioneers'
Pi⋅o⋅neer - Spelled Pronunciation [pahy-uh-neer]
Origin: 1515–25; < MF pionier, OF peonier foot soldier. See PEON, -EER
Synonyms: leader, forerunner, pathfinder.
– noun
1. One who is first or among the earliest in any field of inquiry, enterprise, or progress.
2. One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development
3. Ecology An animal or plant species that establishes itself in a previously barren environment.
– verb (used with object) pi•o•neered, pi•o•neer•ing, pi•o•neers
1. To be the first to open (an area) or prepare (a way, settlement, etc.).
2. To take part in the beginnings of; initiate: to pioneer an aid program.
3. To lead the way for (a group); guide.
4. To initiate or participate in the development of: surgeons who pioneered organ transplants.
– adjective
1. being the earliest, original, first of a particular kind, etc.: a pioneer method of education.
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The Pioneers were formed in 2005 and made their inaugural tour that year to Estonia. In the following four years, successful development tours visited the Czech Republic, Latvia, Ukraine and Norway.
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 througout Europe and now Asia, In 2009, Estonia, Latvia and Ukraine competed against each other in the European Bowl whilst the Czech Republic participated in the European Shield alongside Germany and Italy. Both tournaments are run under the control of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF). In 2010, Norway will join the RLEF competition programme. The Student Rugby Leahue (SRL) is proud of the contribition made by the Pioneers. to such events.
The tour to Kazakhstan in July 2010 is the sixth Pioneers tour.
The managers, coaches and players are specially invited on behalf of David Oxley, Chairman of the Student Rugby League and former Chief Executive of the Rugby Football League. 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’. Squad members are ambassadors for their country, undertake Rugby League development activity as well as play the game to a very high standard.
