DUBLIN REBELS TO DEFEND CHARLEROI TROPHY

The Dublin Rebels have been invited back to Belgium to defend the Charleroi Trophy title they won in both 2002 and 2003. This year they will be up against 2 French teams - Lille Vikings & Chevaliers d'Orleans as well as local team, the Charleroi Cougars. The tournament will take place in Stade de Roux in Charleroi which is in southern Belgium.

The Charleroi Trophy has been a big success in Belgium since its inception in 2002. The tournament receives extensive press coverage and the support of local officials including the Mayor and Burgmeister. The tournament will take place over the weekend of 26th and 27th of June with each team facing the difficult task of playing on both days - semis on Saturday and final or 3rd place play-off on Sunday. The tournament also features some side events including a youth flag football tournament, a saturday evening concert, a display of World War II vehicles and some local culture.

While, as defending Champions, the Rebels are favourites to win again this year, they will face stiff opposition from the Cougars who, judging by their results in the Belgian League, have significantly improved this year. As host team, they are also under pressure to win. The Chevaliers and Vikings who are both playing in Charleroi for the first time, are hoping to become the first French teams to win the Trophy. The Rebels will travel to Belgium on Thursday 24th June to allow themselves a couple of days to get used to the hot weather that usually afflicts southern Belgium in late June.

2003 Charleroi Tournament Results:

FINAL POSITIONS:

1st Dublin Rebels (IRL)
2nd Charleroi Cougars (BEL)
3rd Carrickfergus Knights (IRL)
4th Celtes de Mitry (FRA)

FINAL (29th June):

Dublin Rebels 12 - 0 Charleroi Cougars

3rd/4th PLAYOFF (29th June): Carrickfergus Knights 22-8 Celtes de Mitry

SEMI FINALS (28th June): Dublin Rebels 8-6 Celtes de Mitry + Charleroi Cougars 8-6 Carrickfergus Knights

Pictures from the 2003 Tournament: