There's something magical about the combination of sports and music that elevates the human spirit. With this belief, the inaugural Midlands 9s Rugby League Tournament and Music Festival was born—an event that promised to mix the adrenaline of rugby league with the soul-soothing melodies of live music. And, oh, what an adventure it was!

In the weeks leading up to the festival, the tension and excitement were tangible. The brainchild of Craig and Karl, hosts of the "Rugby League Outsiders" podcast, the Midlands 9s aimed to bring something new to the rugby league scene. It was not just a tournament; it was a celebration, a gathering of rugby league enthusiasts from all corners of the UK, ready to enjoy a weekend of sport, music, and camaraderie.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including illnesses and last-minute logistical nightmares, the duo's spirit never wavered. They juggled everything from team coordination to vendor management, all while battling the relentless British weather. The festival was a testament to their dedication, a labour of love that pushed them to their limits.

Imagine a world where sports and music come together to create magic. That's exactly what happened at the first-ever Midlands 9s Rugby League Tournament and Music Festival!

This incredible event was dreamed up by Craig and Karl, the awesome hosts of the "Rugby League Outsiders" podcast. They wanted to bring something super cool to the world of rugby league, and boy, did they succeed!

Before the festival even started, you could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. People from all over the UK were getting ready for a weekend filled with rugby, music, and fun times with friends.

Despite facing some tough challenges like illnesses and tricky logistics, Craig and Karl never gave up. They worked super hard to make sure everything was perfect for the big day.

And when the tournament finally kicked off, it was non-stop action! Teams from all over the Midlands showed off their skills and sportsmanship, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

We saw some amazing moments, like the awesome RAF ladies' team showing off their skills, the Midlands Hurricanes women playing their very first match, and the Sherwood and Loughborough teams giving it their all.

And when the sun went down, the rugby field turned into a concert stage! Bands like the Stiff Meisters and The Mardi Bums rocked the night away, making everyone dance and sing along.

The Mardi Bums especially blew everyone away with their incredible performance. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

As the festival came to an end, Craig and Karl looked back on all the hard work they put in. But they also knew it was totally worth it. The Midlands 9s was more than just a festival—it was a journey that brought people together and celebrated the things they loved.

For everyone who was there, whether playing rugby, singing, dancing, or just soaking in the awesome atmosphere, the Midlands 9s was a reminder of how awesome community, competition, and music can be.

And who knows? Maybe there will be even more amazing adventures like this in the future. But for now, let's just say cheers to the Midlands 9s—an adventure we'll never forget!

SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Pot Leadle - Digitial Marketing & SEO Specialists in Cheshire

This episode captures the remarkable journeys of Kevin Rudd from the Elmbridge Eagles.

From player to coach, Rudd's involvement spans community clubs, professional levels, and international development, emphasising inclusivity and grassroots growth in the sport.

On the other hand, the coach shares insights on coaching boys and girls, the cultural richness of rugby league in France, and the challenges and successes in expanding the sport globally, showcasing the personal connections garnered through their rugby league endeavours.

🏉 ABOUT THE RUGBY LEAGUE OUTSIDERS PODCAST
Welcome to Rugby League Outsiders, where two passionate fans and former players, Karl Walker and Craig Williams, bring their love for the game to the Midlands. After relocating to the area, they were disappointed that rugby league wasn't as prevalent as in their former homes.

However, instead of accepting defeat, Karl and Craig saw this as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more accessible for others in the Midlands. They started the Rugby League Outsiders podcast to shed light on the hidden gems of rugby league in the region and to give a voice to those who may have been overlooked.

Tune in weekly as Karl and Craig share their insights and experiences, interview players and coaches, and delve into rugby league. From local clubs to the latest news, they've got you covered.

Like and share this video and help spread the word about this fantastic sport in the Midlands.

LINKS:
📍 FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TWITTER - https://twitter.com/rloutsiders
📍 INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 WEBSITE - https://rugbyleagueoutsiders.com

The Fascinating Rugby League Journey of Kevin Rudd: From School to International Influence

SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Pot Leadle - Digitial Marketing & SEO Specialists in Cheshire

Rebels Reborn: The Worcester Resurgence With Matthew Robinson & Alex Paynter

Join us on a thrilling ride with the Rugby League Outsiders podcast as we delve into the inspiring saga of the Worcester Rebels. In this episode, we sit down with Craig and Karl, alongside their exceptional guests, Matthew Robinson and Alex Paynter from the Worcester Rebels. Discover the remarkable transformation from the ashes of the Worcester Jaguars to the rise of the Rebels, a tale of ambition, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of rugby excellence.

Witness firsthand the hurdles of rebuilding a team's reputation, the innovative strategies to weave a new identity within the community, and the pivotal moments that redefined their journey. From their first game excitement to navigating the complexities of Rugby Union relationships, this story is about more than just the game; it's about creating a legacy and rebelling against the odds.

Whether you're a die-hard rugby fan or new to the sport, this episode offers a compelling look into the heart of grassroots rugby, the challenges of establishing a new team, and the unbreakable spirit of the Worcester Rebels. Don't miss this deep dive into the world of Rugby League from the perspective of those who dare to dream big and defy expectations.

↪ Worcester Rebels

🏉 ABOUT THE RUGBY LEAGUE OUTSIDERS PODCAST
Welcome to Rugby League Outsiders, where two passionate fans and former players, Karl Walker and Craig Williams, bring their love for the game to the Midlands. After relocating to the area, they were disappointed that rugby league wasn't as prevalent as in their former homes.

However, instead of accepting defeat, Karl and Craig saw this as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more accessible for others in the Midlands. They started the Rugby League Outsiders podcast to shed light on the hidden gems of rugby league in the region and to give a voice to those who may have been overlooked.

Tune in weekly as Karl and Craig share their insights and experiences, interview players and coaches, and delve into rugby league. From local clubs to the latest news, they've got you covered.

Like and share this video and help spread the word about this fantastic sport in the Midlands.

LINKS:
📍 FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TWITTER - https://twitter.com/rloutsiders
📍 INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@rugbyleagueoutsiders
📍 WEBSITE - https://rugbyleagueoutsiders.com

Rebels Reborn: The Worcester Resurgence With Matthew Robinson & Alex Paynter

SPONSOR: This episode was sponsored by Pot Leadle - Digitial Marketing & SEO Specialists in Cheshire