Robot Wars: The Third Wars/International League Championship

International League Championship
The International League Championship Logo
Series	The Third Wars
Winner(s)	Razer
First Broadcast	15 September 2000
Original channel	BBC Two
TV Ratings	4.58 million
Preceded by	Grand Final
Succeeded by	Heat A of the Fourth Wars

"It's official - robots are taking over the world! And here to do battle in the most spectacular competition ever created, are six mighty robots representing six mighty nations, in a mechanised mother of all wars! This is Robot Wars: The International League Championship!"

— Craig Charles' introduction

The International League Championship (listed on Mech+ as the UK International League (April 2022-January 2024) or The International League (February 2024-present) was one of two international Robot Wars competitions held during the filming of Robot Wars: The Third Wars. The other competition was The First World Championship, which was initially released as a direct-to-video VHS. The International League Championship featured six robots from six countries, which were split into two groups with one robot from each battling in the final.

The episode was broadcast on 15 September 2000 on BBC Two. The broadcast managed to attract 4.58 million viewers, a decrease of 370,000 viewers when compared with the previous episode. According to BARB, this meant it did however rank first in the top thirty highest rated BBC 2 broadcasts during 11-17 September.

Competing Robots

Group A

	Depoppesaurus Rex
	Weight	80kg
	Dimensions	0.45 x 1.80 x 0.60m
	Clearance	0.03m
	Power	2 x Wheelchair Motors
	Weapons	Electric Actuator
	Notes	Speed 8mph
From: Belgium
Team Members: Philippe Poppe & Nancy Poppe

	Diotoir
	Weight	79kg
	Dimensions	0.66 x 1.00m
	Clearance	Adjustable 0.02m
	Power	2 x Wheelchair Motors
	Weapons	Hydraulic Spring Lifting Arm
	Notes	Pressure 1,200psi
From: Éire (Republic of Ireland)
Team Members: Peter Redmond, Joe Gavin & Ciaron Byrne (Zulu)

	Terror Australis
	Weight	79kg
	Dimensions	0.84 x 0.99 x 0.30m
	Clearance	0.03m
	Power	4hp Lawnmower Engine
	Weapons	Circular Saw
	Notes	Able to Operate Upside-Down
From: Australia
Team Members: Peter Aigner, Nick Stone & Rodney Gullickson

	Terror Australis
	Weight	76kg
	Dimensions	0.50 x 1.00m
	Clearance	Adjustable 0.03m
	Power	2 x Wheelchair Motors
	Weapons	Spear, Spikes & Blades
	Notes	Pressure 1,000psi
From: Australia
Team Members: Peter Aigner, Nick Stone & Rodney Gullickson

Group B

	Prometheus
	Weight	80kg
	Dimensions	0.75 x 1.40 x 1.20m
	Clearance	0.02m
	Power	2 x Petrol Driven Motors
	Weapons	Circular Saw
	Notes	Aluminium Frame & Body
From: United States of America
Team Members: Richard Brull, Stephen Lane & Mike Lavenburg

	Razer
	Weight	79kg
	Dimensions	0.51 x 1.25 x 0.60m
	Clearance	0.00m
	Power	2 x Trolley Shop Motors
	Weapons	Hydraulic Ram
	Notes	Cost £800
From: England
Team Members: Simon Scott, Ian Lewis & Vincent Blood

	Techno-Lease
	Weight	83kg
	Dimensions	0.33 x 0.95 x 0.70m
	Clearance	0.02m
	Power	2 x Poly Motors
	Weapons	Grinding Blade
	Notes	4 Wheel Drive
From: The Netherlands
Team Members: Erik de Vrijer & Frans Verplanke

War of Independence

	A-Kill
	Weight	42.6kg
	Dimensions	0.23 x 1.00 x 0.41m
	Clearance	0.01m
	Power	2 x Wheelchair Motors
	Weapons	Front and Rear Spikes
	Notes	Cost £200
From: England
Team Members: Chris Delph, Ryan Delph & Andy Brasted

	Tentoumushi
	Weight	52kg
	Dimensions	1.02 x 1.12 x 0.30m
	Clearance	0.05m
	Power	24 US Volts
	Weapons	Circular Saw Under Shell
	Notes	Swallows Enemy Whole
From: United States of America
Team Members: Lisa Winter & Mike Winter

The Ashes

	Mortis
	Weight	79.5kg
	Dimensions	0.36 x 0.76 x 0.91m
	Clearance	0.05m
	Power	3 x Motors
	Weapons	Hammer
	Notes	Cost £30,000
From: England
Team Members: Rob Knight, Arthur Chilcott & Ben Gordon

	Terror Australis
	Weight	76kg
	Dimensions	0.50 x 1.00m
	Clearance	Adjustable 0.03m
	Power	2 x Wheelchair Motors
	Weapons	Spear, Spikes & Blades
	Notes	Pressure 1,000psi
From: Australia
Team Members: Peter Aigner, Nick Stone & Rodney Gullickson

Group Stage

Robots scored three points for a win and one point each for a draw (if both robots were still mobile at the end of the battle). The robot with the most points progressed to the final battle.

• W = battles won
• D = battles drawn
• L = battles lost
• Pts = total points scored

Group A

Robot	W	D	L	Pts
Diotoir (Republic of Ireland)	2	0	0	6
Depoppesaurus Rex (Belgium)	0	1	1	1
Terror Australis (Australia)	0	1	1	1

Depoppesaurus Rex (BEL) vs Terror Australis (AUS)

"It should be a good battle here, Terror Australis against Depoppesaurus...or will it be? What's happened here?"

— Jonathan Pearce at the start of Group A

The Terror Australis team attempt to get their robot working, as Derek Foxwell watches on

Before the battle began, Terror Australis showed no signs of life, having had its motors burnt out. The team attempted to get it working, but with no success, so the battle was postponed.

"You might as well throw this thing in the bin and start again"

— Philippa Forrester assesses the damage with the Australian team

Luckily for the Australian team, Team Nemesis allowed them to use Nemesis for the duration of the competition. The robot was repainted in yellow and green, and adopted the "Terror Australis" name.

Terror Australis jabs the sides of Depoppesaurus Rex

Terror Australis is lifted by its Belgian opponent

As the battle began in earnest, the two robots started slowly, with Terror Australis nudging into Depoppesaurus Rex's side. Depoppesaurus Rex was able to get underneath Terror Australis as they spun and lifted it up, but not enough to tip it over. Terror Australis was dropped, but couldn't land a good attack on Depoppesaurus Rex as it spun around, using its rear to swat the Australian team away. Terror Australis then drove onto the front nose of Depoppesaurus Rex but Terror Australis backed away in time. Undeterred, Depoppesaurus Rex made for another frontal attack and managed to lift its opponent onto its side, but no more than that and it eventually dropped back onto its wheels.

"Well, they've got to grips with the controls readily"

— Jonathan Pearce, commending the last minute change

Terror Australis is almost lifted onto it side

Terror Australis made for a last side-ram, and pushed Depoppesaurus Rex slightly, but was unable to puncture its armour. Nevertheless, it was able to keep to the Belgian robot's side as time ran out. With both robots still mobile, a draw was declared.

"We almost lifted them, we was dominant all the way"

— Philippe Poppe, unhappy with the outcome

Winner: Draw

Diotoir (IRE) vs Terror Australis (AUS)

"When you think that most roboteers struggle to build one competitive machine, the Irish boys have built two here"

— Jonathan Pearce as Diotoir and Nemesis make contact

Terror Australis spins to deflect Diotoir

Diotoir lifts Terror Australis

The battle began slowly as both robots made their way to the centre of the arena. As Diotoir lowered its lifting arm, it managed to wedge underneath Terror Australis, but failed to get enough purchase to lift it, with the Australian team spinning away. Diotoir got underneath Terror Australis once more, but could only lift it slightly before it backed away. Diotoir's flipper did not appear to be working properly, and as Terror Australis spun from side to side, its blades managed to rip off some of Diotoir's fur. The two robots collided a few times, but Diotoir seemed to have the greater pushing power, albeit at the cost of more of its fur coming off.

"The fur's already flying though, on the arena floor, which is standard practise if you know Diotoir"

— Jonathan Pearce with a small laugh

Diotoir pits its predecessor.

Diotoir attacks Sir Killalot while on fire

By now, the entire front of Diotoir was devoid of fur. It managed to get underneath Terror Australis again, but with its flipper not functioning properly, it could only lift its predecessor off the ground slightly.

"This was the change in the two robots from the Irish team, that lifting arm."

— Jonathan Pearce

Despite this, Terror Australis appeared to have gotten stuck on Diotoir's body, who in turn spun it around and slowly pushed it towards the pit, eventually pushing its predecessor in. Diotoir then proceeded to attack the House Robots, managing to get its lifting arm caught in Sir Killalot's tracks, although Matilda destroyed one of its eyes and the fur caught fire.

Winner: Diotoir

Depoppesaurus Rex (BEL) vs Diotoir (IRE)

Depoppesaurus Rex attempts to evade Diotoir's lifter

Diotoir gets underneath Depoppesaurus Rex

The two robots came together and Diotoir immediately attempted to get underneath Depoppesaurus Rex with its lifting arm. It struggled to work the right position to thrust its weapon into action, but managed to push Depoppesaurus Rex around and into the arena wall, before eventually managing to flip the Belgian machine over.

"Up and over! And I think that could be just about it!"

— Jonathan Pearce as Depoppesaurus Rex is turned belly-up

Depoppesaurus Rex is flipped.

Dead Metal slices into Depoppesaurus Rex

Depoppesaurus Rex is pitted

As Diotoir continued to ram into Depoppesaurus Rex, the House Robots came in and attacked the Belgian robot, and Matilda flipped it back onto its wheels. Depoppesaurus Rex quickly ran away from danger, but was caught by Shunt and Dead Metal, who teamed up to push Depoppesaurus Rex sideways onto the Pit of Oblivion. However, Depoppesaurus Rex was too long to fall in fully because of its length- its tail and lifter held it between the sides briefly, causing it to roll over, before finally slipping and falling in upside-down.

"Hanging, lingering, longingly, but finally lumped out of it, the Belgians."

— Jonathan Pearce

Cease was called, with Diotoir winning the battle and Group A.

Winner: Diotoir

Group B

Robot	W	D	L	Pts
Razer (England)	2	0	0	6
Prometheus (USA)	0	1	1	1
Techno-Lease (Netherlands)	0	1	1	1

Note: Cassius 2 was originally due to represent England in this tournament, but was unable to compete, so Razer was entered in its place.

Prometheus (USA) vs Techno-Lease (NED)

The two robots push one another

Techno-Lease slowly rams Promethus into the side wall

Techno-Lease started slowly, while Prometheus lingered on its starting position for some time before charging into Techno-Lease head-on. The two then locked horns and were unable to push each other, instead slowly spinning around.

Sgt Bash charges into the two competitors knocking off Prometheus' top armour plate

Prometheus slams Techno-Lease into Sgt Bash

After a moment of inactivity, with Techno-Lease pushing Prometheus back slightly, Sgt. Bash came out of his CPZ to separate the two robots. He required several forceful slams to push Prometheus away, and the American robot's top armour plate had come loose. Techno-Lease managed to turn around and used its grinding arm on Prometheus, causing no damage at all. Prometheus' attempts to gain traction caused the robot to shake violently.

"A-rockin' and a-rollin' like Elvis Presley"

— Jonathan Pearce's take on the battle

Both robots lay immobile as the House Robots close in

Eventually, Prometheus managed to push Techno-Lease into Sgt. Bash's CPZ, up against the arena wall. It backed away, only for the petrol engine to stall and begin smoking. Techno-Lease, however, was also immobile, and Sgt. Bash pushed the Dutch robot onto the arena spikes. Time ran out with neither robot mobile, and a draw was declared.

"For electric to push gas like that takes a lot of power"

— Richard Brull of Team Prometheus commending Techno-Lease

Winner: Draw

Razer (ENG) vs Prometheus (USA)

"Oh, Philippa's got bad news from the pits! Its Prometheus! Smoking...and we're all choking!"

— Jonathan Pearce

A smoking Prometheus never took to the arena.

Prometheus' motors had burnt out during its battle against Techno-Lease, and the team were unable to replace them. As a result, Prometheus forfeited the battle and Razer was awarded the win by default.

Winner: Razer (by default)

Razer (ENG) vs Techno-Lease (NED)

Techno-Lease is crushed by a dominant Razer

Razer crumples the side of Techno-Lease

Razer darted out from the starting blocks and bumped into Techno-Lease side on before sliding underneath the Dutch robot and crushing through the top of it.

"Now, let's see if it can withstand damage; the answer: no."

— Jonathan Pearce as Razer penetrates through the top of Techno-Lease

Razer stands on one wheel as it lifts Techno-Lease into the air

Razer is carried by Shunt

Razer backed away, before coming in again and forcing Techno-Lease towards Shunt's CPZ, where it crumpled Techno-Lease once more. Razer then lifted Techno-Lease, which saw both robots locked together, balanced on their sides. Still balanced, Razer skated backwards into Shunt, where it suffered an axe blow from the House Robot. Razer was parked on Shunt's scoop, who pushed it into the centre of the arena and then onto its side, but Razer self-righted.

"Oh no! Backing, back into Shunt, though, and causing itself some damage."

— Jonathan Pearce as Razer puts itself into danger

Razer lifts Techno-Lease from behind

Razer crushes Shunt's bucket

Razer came in on another drive at Techno-Lease and rammed it against the arena side wall, where it pierced through the top of Techno-Lease. Techno-Lease appeared to become immobilised after this, and Razer attempted to lift it into the air using the arm on the back of its crushing beak. After Techno-Lease had been immobilised, Razer attacked Shunt and Matilda, attacking Matilda's chainsaw and Shunt's scoop, causing damage to both.

"Nipping about the arena floor; this is what we were talking about earlier on. Shunt comes in for retribution... Look at Razer! Shunt's bulldozer blade is almost buckled and bashed out of sight! This is unheard of! Razer is destroying one of the house robots!"

— Jonathan Pearce

Cease was called, Razer was declared the winner, and the victorious robot in Group B.

Winner: Razer

Final

Diotoir (IRE) vs Razer (ENG)

Razer and Diotoir come together

According to Ciarán Byrne, the televised version of this battle was not the first attempt at filming the fight. In Byrne's own words, Diotoir had originally driven into Razer's grip but kept its tyres on the ground, and 'slammed Razer around the arena', before it was revealed that the camera equipment was faulty and the fight had to be abandoned. The teams then broke for lunch, and Byrne asserts that Razer's batteries were recharged whilst Diotoir's were not.

Razer crushes Diotoir

Razer drags Diotoir across the arena

Razer darted across the arena floor and clashed with Diotoir, which managed to hold it off with the position of the lifting arm. With both robots locked in a spin, Razer backed away. Diotoir tried throw Razer over as it retreated, but could only flick it slightly. Razer came in again, and this time gripped Diotoir and pierced through the armour.

"But this is where the damage could be so costly. They've gone for the armour just in front of one of the springs."

— Jonathan Pearce as Razer finally manages to plunge into Diotoir

Razer pits Diotoir to win the title

Diotoir is attacked by Dead Metal in the pit

Razer dragged Diotoir towards the pit and then let go of it. Diotoir appeared to stop moving after this attack and Razer was able to push it into the pit. Dead Metal also inflicted even more damage on the pitted Diotoir, outside of the televised broadcast.

"Razer wins it for England. Always looked the more destructive of all the robots in this International League Championship."

— Jonathan Pearce

International League Champion: Razer

Other Battles

War of Independence

A-Kill (ENG) vs Tentoumushi (USA)

The two middleweights come together

This was a special battle which took place during the championship between robots from England and the USA. A-Kill had replaced Hard Cheese in this battle as the producers thought the fight would be fairer if Tentoumushi fought a smaller robot (Tentoumushi was a lightweight). It has been said that this was a grudge match between the joint winners of the Middleweight Melee from the third series, but it was actually filmed before the Middleweight Melee, despite being broadcast afterwards.

Tentoumushi started by lifting up its smothering smell, before covering A-Kill. A-Kill managed to gain traction though, and drove towards the pit, where the two robots became separated. Tentoumushi continued to pressure A-Kill, and dropped the shell down onto the English robot again before backing away.

"Unless they can cut the radio control aerial on A-Kill, I can't see them causing a great deal of trouble here. Certainly, though, the more aggressive robot so far."

— Jonathan Pearce on Tentoumushi

A-Kill began to drift towards the pit and then got stuck on the lip of the pit, which meant that Tentoumushi was able to push A-Kill down and out, confirming Tentoumushi as the War of Independence winner.

"And A-Kill, shoved towards the pit. Desperately trying to hold on... teetering and tottering and toppled, and the grudge match - the first War of Independence, won by Tentoumushi for the states."

— Jonathan Pearce

Winner: Tentoumushi

The Ashes

Mortis overturns Terror Australis

Mortis (ENG) vs Terror Australis (AUS)

This was another special battle which pitted Mortis of England against the Nemesis version of Terror Australis of Australia.

Mortis tried to manoeuvre for position straight away, but Terror Australis managed to deflect it aside with its blades, with Mortis missing with a swing of its axe in the process. Mortis then managed to get purchase under Terror Australis and forced it back against the arena wall, before using its lifting arm to feed Terror Australis to Shunt, where it was dealt with multiple axe blows.

"And at the moment, this is a good attack by Mortis of England, and the Ashes are coming to English shores."

— Jonathan Pearce

Mortis then carried the still attached Terror Australis out of the CPZ and toppled Terror Australis onto its back. Unable to self-right, the House Robots closed in, and Dead Metal placed Terror Australis onto the arena floor flipper, while Mortis and Shunt scuffled in the background. Terror Australis was sent flying, before Dead Metal finished it off by discarding it into the Pit of Oblivion.

"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Terror Australis, you'll be left to rust."

— Jonathan Pearce

Winner: Mortis

"You can forget about asteroids, and huge meteors, because the world's being hit, by Robot Wars"

— Craig Charles signs off

Trivia

Marc Thorpe handing the International League Championship trophy to Team Razer

• Being filmed directly after The First World Championship, the International League Championship was mainly intended to serve as a pilot for Dutch, Belgian, and Australian broadcasters.
• Despite being filmed during the Third Wars, this episode was broadcast nearly five months after the Series 3 Grand Final, and only one week before the start of the Fourth Wars.
• This was the only episode of the series to feature draws as a standard outcome for a battle rather than Judges' decisions.
• It was also the only time Robot Wars used a round robin format in place of the knockout structure until Series 8. Coincidentally, the first episode of the former series also featured Razer.
• This seemingly minor episode of Robot Wars became incredibly rare due to its lack of broadcasting after the original showing, although it has since been made available on YouTube and Mech+.
• Marc Thorpe, the creator of the original US Robot Wars events, appears at the end of this episode to present the winning trophy to Team Razer.
• This episode featured a lot of recycled footage, particularly from the Third Wars:
  • At least two clips shown were also featured in The First World Championship, including Razer's trophy presentation, which was confirmed by the team to have originally been filmed for the latter.
  • A clip from Diotoir's battle against The Steel Avenger in Series 3, Heat O is used after its battle against Terror Australis to explain how it caught fire (indeed, The Steel Avenger is just about visible in one of the shots).
  • The post-battle interview of Diotoir and Depoppesaurus Rex, between Philippa Forrester and Team Nemesis, was also reused in its entirety.
• This episode's War of Independence battle marked the only time a history-themed event ended with the historically correct outcome.
  • The War of Independence battle also marked one of only two occasions where an international event was won by a robot not originating from the United Kingdom; the other being the UK vs Germany battle from Robot Wars Extreme: Series 1.
• Cassius 2 was originally selected to represent England, but withdrew, likely as a result of Rex Garrod retiring from Robot Wars in response to an earlier behind-the-scenes accident. Razer would be selected to take its place.