International RL Blog

This is wonderful So proud and dignified

Victory in the Ladbrokes Four Nations tournament has elevated Australia back to number one in the world rugby league rankings released by the RLIF, leapfrogging New Zealand, who they defeated 34-8 in the final at Anfield, Liverpool. The Kiwis had become the only other nation to head the chart when they took on the mantle after winning the Anzac Test between the nations in mid-2015. Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga commented: “It is nice to have the number one position now, we tend to talk about process in the build-up but it is satisfying; the pressure’s on us now to stay there and we are very confident we can handle it. “We look in good shape for the World Cup next year.” The biggest leap in the rankings is by Scotland, who became the first nation to take a point off a top-three ranked nation since Papua New Guinea in 1990, when the Bravehearts held New Zealand to an 18-all draw in Workington as part of the Four Nations. The Scottish performances in the competition see them move ...

Following the recommendation of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Board to conditionally award the 2025 World Cup to North America the RLIF Congress, at its annual general meeting held in Liverpool on 17 November, endorsed the Board's recommendation. RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood commented: "The award of the 2025 World Cup to North America is a historic moment in the global development of Rugby League. The USA and Canada provides world class stadia allied to a significant multi cultural population which made the bid so persuasive. It is exciting that our sport is expanding into a new destination for our premier event the World Cup and we will work with our members in the USA and Canada and Moore Sports International to expand the presence of our sport in these countries during the lead in to the 2025 World Cup." "The Board will now work with Moore Sports International to complete the due diligence and exchange of contracts to complete the award."

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 masterclass and 24 point haul from Terry Campese saw Italy claim the fourteenth and final place in the 2017 World Cup with a 14-try rout over depleted Russia at the Leigh Sports Village. The Azzurri now join Fiji and the USA in Group D in the full tournament and will also play a cross-group tie with Ireland. Campese, who has been in tremendous form over the three qualifying ties is looking forward to the chance to play for his national side in Canberra where he started his junior career, enjoyed success with the Raiders in the NRL, and where he will join ACT side Queanbeyan as player/coach in the run up to the World Cup. “It’s great to represent the heritage of the family,” he said. “If my grandfather hadn’t gone over to Australia, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity; he’s no longer with us and it’s sad that he didn’t get to see me pull on the Italian jersey but he was in my heart out there. The Italian skipper added: “We’ve got a bunch of young guys whose heritage and ba...

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) is delighted to announce that England has been awarded the rights to stage the 2021 Rugby League Men’s and Women’s World Cups. Following an exhaustive process, which included  strong competition  from other nations, the non-conflicted Directors of the RLIF Board met on 18 October to review presentations from the two shortlisted bidders, England and the Moore Sports International (MSI) USA/Canada Bid. Bids were assessed against seven criteria provided in the bid documentation. England scored heavily in respect of its supporter base and UK government support, both in terms of the £25 million government support of the event and its legacy, as well as in areas such as visas, security, international development and promotion of the event. The MSI USA/Canada Bid scored impressively in many areas, including but not limited to, the support of the RLIF strategy to extend the global reach of Rugby League as well as in marketing, ...

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...

“It’s really pleasing, if you are going to achieve things it’s got to be difficult but the collective spirit, desire and passion was there for all to see,” said victorious Wales coach John Kear as his side qualified for the 2017 World Cup after beating Italy 20-14, in a tense thriller at the Stadio Brianteo in Monza. Kear, who led England in the 2000 World Cup and has also taken charge of France added: “We’ve had a lot of adversity over the qualifiers, we’ve had to bring new players in because of injuries and lost a half-back so had to reshuffle, as well as losing Rhodri Lloyd to a hamstring injury here early on, but we showed a collective will to get the job done and finished the stronger. “At 14-6 down going into half time we needed something and Anthony Walker came up with a special play. People like Matty Fozard have come of age in these games and I’ve been delighted to see how much he’s improved, and Phil Joseph was a giant in the middle.” Wales debutant Danny Ansell cam...

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...