German Exiles Rugby League

EXILES PLAYER PROFILE

James Whitaker comes into the Exiles setup with a story that goes far beyond rugby.

James is currently unaffiliated with any local club, but his commitment to the Exiles speaks volumes about the kind of person he is. His loyalty, dedication, and willingness to represent the badge show exactly what this team means to him.

James is also the brother of Shaun Smith’s late wife and first travelled with the Exiles to Rotterdam in April this year, supporting Shaun during his first 9s tour with the team.

A few months later, James pulled on the shirt himself for the fixture against the Sappers—a match that carried deep emotional significance, as it marked the anniversary of his sister’s passing.

On that day, James played with incredible heart, passion, and purpose. Every carry, every collision, and every effort reflected the pride and love he carries for his sister, his family, and for Shaun.

Pride and honour are values James lives by and demonstrates through his actions.

In his first fixture for the Exiles, James made an immediate impact, producing devastating runs against the Sappers and showing exactly what he brings to this squad—strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment.

James embodies everything the Exiles stand for: brotherhood, loyalty, and finding strength in one another both on and off the field.

EXILES PLAYER PROFILE

Drew Malcolm is a committed and highly valued member of the Exiles setup, currently representing Crigglestone All Blacks with the same dedication and work ethic as his club counterpart, Shaun Smith.

Off the pitch, Drew is well known for his enthusiasm for a social drink—sometimes slightly too much enthusiasm. Like many great sportsmen before him, confidence tends to rise in direct proportion to the number of drinks consumed, occasionally leading to bold statements that may require some diplomatic damage control the following morning. Thankfully, his memory isn’t always as sharp as his opinions.

On the field, however, Drew is everything a squad wants: reliable, spirited, and always ready with a dose of sarcasm to keep morale high. He brings energy, commitment, and plenty of personality to the team, making him not just a solid player but an important presence within the group.

Drew was part of the Exiles’ first official tour to Germany in 2025, helping lay the foundation for what the squad continues to build today. He also featured in the Rotterdam trip earlier this year in April, where he unfortunately picked up a minor injury—likely the only thing capable of slowing him down.

Fortunately, Drew has recovered well and is now fully fit, refreshed, and ready for the next fixture. Opponents have been warned. Teammates have also been warned—particularly if there’s a post-match bar involved.

After what probably felt like a month of being relentlessly waterboarded with player profiles… good news — we’re doing it all over again 😁

As we build towards our next fixture in just two weeks, stay tuned throughout this week as we introduce (or reintroduce) the players who may be pulling on the shirt against Brazil RL.

🇬🇧 Brazil vs German Exiles 🏉🕛 12 PM | 🗓️ 28 June | 📍 Keighley, UK – Cougar Park

Brasil will play against the powerful German team at noon in Keighley, at the iconic Cougars Stadium, where they will face a European country for the first time in the men's category.

This match is a milestone for the sport and for Brasil and Germany, honoring the Brazilian city of Blumenau, founded by Germans, where the Blumenau Pokal will be contested in a game played at the highest level with top European-based players from both countries.

🇧🇷 Brasil vs Alemanha Exiles 🏉🕛 12h | 🗓️ 28 de Junho | 📍 Keighley, UK – Cougar Park

O Brasil vai jogar contra a poderosa equipe alemã ao meio dia, em Keighley, no icônico estádio dos Cougars, onde enfrentará pela primeira vez um país europeu na categoria masculina.

O jogo é um marco para o esporte e para a relação entre Brasil e Alemanha, homenageando a cidade brasileira de Blumenau, fundada por alemães, onde será disputada a Blumenau Pokal, em um duelo de altíssimo nível entre os melhores jogadores residentes na Europa de ambos os países.

🇩🇪 Brasilien vs Germany Exiles 🏉🕛 12 Uhr | 🗓️ 28. Juni | 📍 Keighley, UK – Cougar Park

Brasilien trifft um 12 Uhr mittags in Keighley im legendären Cougars Stadium auf die starke deutsche Mannschaft. Es ist das erste Mal, dass die Brasilianer in der Herrenkategorie gegen ein europäisches Land antreten.

Das Spiel ist ein Meilenstein für den Sport und für die Beziehungen zwischen Brasilien und Deutschland, zu Ehren der brasilianischen Stadt Blumenau, die von Deutschen gegründet wurde, wo der Blumenau Pokal in einem Duell auf höchstem Niveau mit Spielern aus beiden Ländern ausgetragen wird.

Thank you | Obrigado | Danke

Adding to the previous post though not German eligible he’s still an Exile Jamie Billsborough follows is brother in stepping up to the pro game! That’s 3 Exiles confirmed with North Wales Rugby League!

Jamie will be in the halves today vs Batley. Will he do better thank his brother 👀👀

🖋 Welcome Jamie Billsborough to .

Jamie will be in contention for this weekend's game

Another one of our own goes pro! Charlie Tetley joins Eoin and signs for North Wales Rugby League and will be an impact player today against Batley!

Go well Charlie 🇩🇪

Nationaler Rugby League Deutschland e.V

🖋Welcome Charlie Tetley to North Wales Crusaders.

Charlie will be in contention for tomorrow's tussle at Batley.

Good luck to 3 of our Exiles playing against Batley Bulldogs RLFC today for North Wales Rugby League go well and fly the 🇩🇪 proud!!

Eoin Bowie
Charlie Tetley
Jamie Billsborough

Nationaler Rugby League Deutschland e.V
North Wales Crusaders Rugby League Supporters

Your North Wales Crusaders squad to face Batley Bulldogs on Sunday.

Travel Partners: MH Travel North Wales

Proud to aid North Wales Rugby League as they begin a new chapter with a number of Exiles pulling on a shirt this summer we look forward to watching them wave the 🇩🇪

North Wales Crusaders Rugby League Supporters
Nationaler Rugby League Deutschland e.V

THANK YOU

Your backing means a huge amount to the club, and we’re incredibly grateful.

There are still a few sponsorship slots available, so if you’d like to get involved and be part of the North Wales Crusaders journey, please get in touch.

📧 Email: [email protected]

Congrats to one of our own Eoin Bowie! One of a number of Exiles who will be pulling the Cru shirt for the remainder of the season!

Go well Eoin!!

Shall we announce another player?

🇩🇪 North Wales Crusaders are delighted to announce Germany International Eoin Bowie for the rest of the season.

Bowie will be in contention for selection on Sunday against Batley Bulldogs.

"Willkommen bei den North Wales Crusaders." 🏉.

🏉🇧🇷 Blumenau Pokal 2026 – International Rugby League Showdown! 🇩🇪🏆

Over the last two weeks we have been sharing some exciting news about the Kaiser cup. We now want turn our attention towards our next fixture.

Get ready for a thrilling clash as Brasil Rugby League takes on German Exiles Rugby League in the highly anticipated Blumenau Pokal!

📅 Sunday, 28 June
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 Cougar Park keighleycougarsrlfc

Opposition Brasil Rugby League

This international fixture brings together two passionate teams for a battle of pride, skill, and determination. Expect big hits, fast-paced action, and a fantastic atmosphere as rugby league continues to grow in Brazil.

🔥 Brazil vs German Exiles
🌍 International Rugby League
🏆 Blumenau Pokal

Come out and support the players as they showcase the best of rugby league on Brazilian soil.

We are delighted to announce that our online ticketing system is now live, making it quick and easy to purchase tickets for the Kaiser Cup.

Event Details

* Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
* Kick-off: 6:00 PM
* Venue: Millennium Stadium, home of Featherstone Rovers

We encourage you to book early to secure your place at what promises to be a fantastic event.

Tickets can be purchased online here:

germanexilesrl.co.uk/tickets