International RL Blog

Two new sides and the return of three other teams will see a strengthening of the domestic competition in Ireland in 2017, which kicks off next month. In Northern Ireland Belfast Eagles, who have been solely running junior rugby league have now extended to include an open age side within their setup. They will join the existing three Ulster teams to make a four-team championship, whilst in the south Galway Bay Pirates will make their debut. The Pirates will play friendlies in their inaugural season and will be dual registered with neighbours and current champions Galway Tribesmen to assist in their development. Meanwhile, in the North, a trio of familiar names return. “There is a feeling of nostalgia and progress for the upcoming season,” says Ulster provincial official Steve Hogan. “Limerick’s finest, Treaty City Titans, return after a troubled 2016 season which culminated in the team standing down mid-season. They come back hoping to return to former glories and are joined b...

Italy has claimed the 14th and final place in the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) tournament draw, following their win in the Rugby League European Federation qualifier play-off this morning. The Italian Azzurri defeated the Russian Bears in Leigh (England) to qualify for their second concessive Rugby League World Cup – the sport’s pinnacle international event. RLWC2017 CEO, Andrew Hill, said the confirmation of Italy as the final team completes what is an exciting RLWC2017 line-up. “I would like to congratulate Italy on their qualification for next year’s Rugby League World Cup. “The European play-off concludes what was a fantastic 18 months of qualifying matches and the number of teams who competed reflects the growth of the international game. “The 2017 tournament will feature the greatest rugby league players from across the world all aiming to win what will be the most competitive World Cup ever. “Fans are in for a real treat and should not delay in securing their ticket...

Ireland and Wales will contest the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) after both countries topped their respective Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) qualifying groups with victories overnight. As RLEF qualifying Group A winners, Wales, will take position “EQ1” in Pool C of the RLWC2017 tournament draw, with Ireland taking the place of “EQ2” as Group B winners. RLWC2017 CEO, Andrew Hill, welcomed the addition of both teams to the sport’s pinnacle international event which will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with three pool games in Papua New Guinea, from 27 October until 2 December 2017. “I’d like to congratulate both Ireland and Wales on qualifying for next year’s Rugby League World Cup. “With large expat communities in Australia, we know these two teams will receive strong support and win over a legion of new fans during their respective campaigns. “With less than 12 months to go until the tournament kicks-off on Friday 27 October 2017, we look forward to conf...

A total of 16 nations attended the RLEF congress held in Bray near Dublin, Ireland last weekend, with delegates from Turkey and Bulgaria joining for the first time. Both nations are in the latter stages of forming associations whilst Poland submitted their application for Polska Rugby XIII to receive formal recognition. The Council endorsed the Board’s recommendation to re-appoint Paul Nicholson as an independent director for a further two years. Nicholson, CEO of Inside World Football, is taking the lead on the RLEF’s broadcast partnerships as the sport prepares to move into a new eight-year cycle following next year’s World Cup. “The next two years are very important for international rugby league in Europe as more nations become increasingly competitive,” said Nicholson. “As the RLEF has expanded so we need to work on increasing and improving our media footprint." “With the international calendar becoming clearer, we have an identifiable set of rights that can be t...

There will be a European double-header at the Rectangular Ground in Perth next November, as Ireland qualified to play Wales in Group C of the 2017 World Cup on the same day England will face France. The Wolfhounds were too strong for the Bears at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray, running in 13 tries including doubles to Alan McMahon, Scott Grix and Ollie Roberts to win by a record score, eclipsing their 64-6 triumph over the USA in Dublin in 2004. “It’s fantastic to make it to another World Cup,” said Ireland team manager Ged Corcoran, “And great that we can make it there with some of the domestic boys included, hopefully we can maintain that. “There are a lot of things to put in place now but it’s about keeping this group together, adding some more quality to it and getting ready for the tournament – there’s no better places to go and play than Australia and Papua New Guinea. “We are going to be true to our word and look after those who have committed to us over the past three...

Ireland will face Russia in Bray next Saturday to decide who qualifies automatically for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup after a nine-try, 46-6 win in Valencia against Spain. Scrum half and skipper Liam Finn bossed the midfield with domestic-based players James Kelly and Gareth Gill also impressing. “We came here and got the job done,” said Ireland coach Mark Aston.  “We scored in the first set and then the second and, when that happens, everyone wants to be a ball player rather than a ball runner, so there are some lessons to be learned. “We need to put out a statement at home next week that we’re a good team, there’s a lot of potential in this group and that excites me.” The visitors made a terrific start, hooker Joe Keyes, Finn and Shannon McDonnell combining to send Oliver Roberts to the posts in the second minute, Finn with the first of five conversions. Luke Ambler broke the cover and Keyes, Finn and Stuart Littler then spun the ball wide for winger Casey Dunne t...

The Reggae Warriors' professional players dominated an all amateur  Ireland  side without of several key players, including captain Casey Dunne who starred in recent wins over Malta and  Italy . In front of a healthy crowd at a sun-drenched Carlisle Grounds, the Jamaicans boasted a side brimming with physicality and aggression.  They proved a much sterner test for the Irish than recent opposition. The Wolfhounds struggled to hold on to possession as they were put under intense pressure in attack and defence by the visitors. Once the game kicked off it became clear that the Jamaicans meant business. They dominated the tackle and contact areas, and ran in seven tries in the first half — former  Hull FC  winger Richie Barnett helping himself to a brace of scores. Ireland  responded with tries from hooker Connor Phillips and prop  Chris Hall  have responded with tries for the home side, but they faced an uphill struggle against bigger opponents. ...

Ireland Rugby League has named a strong looking train-on squad for their 2017 Rugby League World Cup European Pool B Qualifiers against Russia and Spain in October. Included in Mark Aston’s initial 40-man party are 10 Super League players, including Wigan youngster Jack Higginson for the first time and a trio that have helped lift the League Leaders’ Shield with Warrington, brothers George and Toby King and Joe Philbin. Veteran Stuart Littler has been included in what would be his rugby league swansong and there are 15 players from the domestic competition including Conor Mackey and Alan McMahon from champions Galway Tribesmen. RL Ireland director Richard Egan commented:  “Having been a part of the World Cup since 2000, RLI knows what a great spectacle the tournament is and what a fantastic experience it is for the players and squad members. We hope that qualification in 2017 will increase exposure in Ireland and further engagement by the local media to help us continue th...

03/09/16     Palazzolo Sull’Oglio, Brescia Captain Casey Dunne scored a hat-trick as the Irish Wolfhounds kicked off the International RL season with an 11-try victory in Brescia. The team of Irish-based players finished strongly in an entertaining match which, despite the final scoreline, was competitive for more than an hour and provided a great work out for the Wolfhounds. I t was only when they scored three times in the final 10 minutes that Ireland ran away with it. It means the Wolfhounds continue their unbeaten streak from last season and will head into home international matches against Malta (October 8th) and Jamaica (October 15th) in Bray next month full of confidence. Several players will be keen to continue their fine form from this match to press for inclusion in the full squad, which includes overseas-based players, for the vital World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Russia, also next month. With ideal, balmy conditions and a large and vocal crowd, ...

Ireland  kick off their international rugby league season this weekend when they take on  Italy  in Brescia. The match will provide leading home-based players with an opportunity to show they are worth a place in the squad for the vital  World Cup  qualifiers next month. All but one of the 18-man squad selected by coach Carl du Chenu took part in last month’s State of Origin series, in which the Northern  Ireland  Elks defeated the Republic of  Ireland  Eagles for the first time. The selection signals a move by coaches towards picking more home-based players for the  Ireland  team in order to grow rugby league throughout the island. The players will be fighting for inclusion in next month’s home international friendlies against Malta and Jamaica in Bray, and  World Cup  qualifiers away to Spain and at home to Russia, when more established internationals who play abroad will also be involved. Coach Carl du Chenu said: Afte...

In addition to the RL World Cup qualifier being staged in Monza this autumn, Valencia has been announced as the venue for Spain’s v Ireland on 22 October.  This is another first for the sport and the round two game could potentially be decisive for Spain following on from their away encounter in Moscow seven days earlier. Spanish coach Darren Fisher said: “ The Ireland game will not only be against our highest-level opposition in our history but it’s possibly our chance to progress through to the Antipodes next year ,”  “ Spain is well known for the ex-pat community here and I’m sure Irish supporters will be out to enjoy the match in Valencia, it is a terrific city ." “ It’s exciting to be part of the qualifying rounds, we will try not to get carried away too much in the emotion of the occasions. I will be preparing the squad for two very challenging, different styles in Russia and Ireland. The game has already attracted a lot of interest .” Ireland RL director Rich...

France, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will meet in the autumn as the fixtures were confirmed for the 2014 European Championships.  The winners will qualify for the 2016 Four Nations tournament to be held in the northern hemisphere. RL 2014 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP  17/10/14  Scotland v Wales    Workington      18/10/14  Ireland v France      Dublin  2 5/10/14  Ireland v Scotland    Dublin    25/10/14  France v Wales      Albi 31/10/14  Scotland v France   Galashiels    2/11/14    Wales v Ireland       Wrexham

Wales RL have announced that current Batley and former England and France coach will take charge of their national team. Wales are scheduled to meet France, Scotland and Ireland in a European Championship competition this autumen. CLICK HERE to read more

Recent matches have seen good victories for Wales, Scotland and the newly formed England Knights against Ireland and France before very small crowds in low key events with little publicity. The French showed us how it should be done with a 17000 crowd to watch the France v England game in Avignon which was very competitive. Although they look good on paper, France are weak in some positions and lack competition for places but they are definitely moving forward. If only Toulouse were in SL and could contribute another dozen players of international standard then matches involving France could be very, very interesting. There was a good turnout for the Australia v NZ game in Newcastle in Darren Lockyear's last game on Australian soil and USA have qualified for the 2013 RL World Cup with victories against SA and Jamaica. Either Lebanon or Italy will fill the remaining place after their winner takes all decider in Belgrade next weekend. It's a pity that room could not be fou...