The German Exiles first came together in 2006, when 4 of the national team based in the UK decided to enter a team in the prestigious York 9’s tournament.
The Exiles, made up of 5 ‘proper Germans’ and a handful of Hemel Stags and Liverpool John Moores old boys finished runner up in the Shield competition, where they lost to a strong Navy team. The highlight of the day however was against a much faster, fitter and larger RAF side, which they beat by ‘golden point’ in extra time of the quarterfinals.

Following on from the successful trial at the York 9’s, the 4 lads (pictured below), plus Will Stocks (father of German international Dan Stocks) decided to make history by officially forming the German Exiles, entering them in the midlands merit league. The German Exiles were formed with the purpose of:

• Increasing the profile of German rugby league
• Allowing English based German players the opportunity to practice and play together
• Helping fund the development of Ruby League in Germany

Currently, out of a 20 strong squad 10 are ‘proper Germans’ although as the years roll on, we are hoping to be made up of a squad who all have German heritage and are eligible to play for the German national team.

Above: The German Exiles shirt design

Which League do we play in?

The German Exiles play in the Midlands Merit League which provides development matches for existing and newly formed Rugby League clubs in the Midlands. At Open Age it is intended as a feeder league to the Rugby League Summer Conference and will be part of that league's administration. The league is in its second season The .teams arrange between themselves to play as many or as few matches as they wish to during the season. The results are collated into a merit table, with extra points awarded for playing matches, and the winners determined by average points. There are no hard and fast rules for the number of players or substitutes used - if you want to play a 9-a-side game that's fine - as long as the clubs agree in advance.

Where we play

We play all our home games at Mount st Mary's College, Spinkhill, near J30 of the M1.

Directions

From North: On M18 or M1 from North keep to lanes marked London/Nottingham. Do not turn off for Sheffield. Proceed to Junction 30(M1), then as below.

From South: Exit M1 at Junction 30.

From Junction 30 (M1)

Take A6135, signposted Eckington. Take the Spinkhill turn off (1/2 mile) to right. As you ascend the hill towards Spinkhill Village take the second turning on the left. Proceed through the village and turn right by the church with the spire. Keep to left hand fork of the drive and follow the signs to the visitors car park.

Link to map

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