Rixt Aerts discovered rugby at a small club in Friesland, where six members of her family ended up playing together. Now, the Dutch Lionesses halfback is helping another close-knit group build something special in Rugby League. Originally from Nij Beets, a small village in Friesland, Rixt now lives in Amsterdam. Away from rugby, she teaches children aged four to six at a primary school and enjoys travelling and exploring new places. Her introduction to rugby came through an e

Hiske Blom was considering walking away from rugby when an invitation to try Rugby League reignited her love for the game. This Saturday, she will captain the Dutch Lionesses for the first time as they face Scotland. Away from the pitch, Hiske teaches mathematics at a secondary school in Amsterdam and lives in Zaandam with her boyfriend and their three cats. Her weeks feature plenty of training and gym sessions, but she is equally happy at home with a book. Her sporting journ

Damon Koolstra, Captain of Netherlands Men Netherlands Lions captain and NRLB Board Member Damon Koolstra has shared the family connection behind his international rugby league journey — and his ambition to help build the game for the next generation. Born in Melbourne, Koolstra spent time living in the Netherlands with his Opa when he was four, before eventually settling in Mackay, Queensland. He began playing rugby league at eight, developing a love for the sport that would