International RL Blog

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...

Russia set up their match away in Ieland at the end of the month – victory in which will see them qualify from Pool B – with a comprehensive 40-6 win over gallant Spain at the Fili Stadium, Moscow. Watched by RLIF chairman Nigel Wood, tries either side of half time were decisive after the Bears had got off to the perfect start. Russia head coach Denis Korolev commented:  “We achieved all that we wanted to from the game and that is satisfying. Tactically we were good, we didn’t complete every set but what we did overall was more important than any individual mistakes.” Stand off and man of the match, veteran Aleksandr Lysokon, ran the game, his break in the seventh minute sending Mikhail Burlutskii over, Lysokon goaling. Lysokon was also on target soon after to make it 12-0 when Nikolai Zagoskin crossed but, having found their feet in the four degree cold, the visitors dug in. Spanish centre Antonio Puerta, who was a threat throughout, was unlucky to lose the ball over ...

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...

The weekend of the 24-25 September is set to be the most prolific in the history of the Rugby League European Federation. Five internationals across three age groups and two continents under the RLEF’s jurisdiction are scheduled, with matches taking place in Spain, Czech Republic, Serbia, Canada and Scotland. “This year has continued the trend that has seen RLEF members strengthening their cooperation with one another and seeking opportunities to engage in more competition,”   said RLEF general manager Danny Kazandjian.  “There have been a number of historic firsts, especially at youth level, which is an encouraging sign that the sport is establishing itself in a number of different nations. “More home-grown young players are demanding more rugby league and in increasing numbers our members, by working with neighbours and trusted partners, are able to satisfy that demand.” In recent weeks, Ireland has played their first match at U16 level and Jamaica hosted Canada...

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...

After a summer of RL activity, the new world rankings have been announced by the RLIF. They are the first since the 2013 World Cup. The number of ranked-nations has risen to 34 including  new entrants Spain in 28 th  place.   Russia are up to 14 th  -the number of nations that will contest the 2017 World Cup. The biggest movers are Greece who rise to 26 th CLICK HERE for more info

8/6/14 Spain 54-10 Belgium  Spain powered to a second win in their second ever international, scoring nine tries in front of a raucous crowd in Valencia as they beat Belgium 50-10. CLICK HERE to read more 21/6/14 Russia 20  Serbia  6 Russia maintained their unbeaten start to the competition with a testing win in rain-sodden Naro-Fominsk. Conditions were tough throughout with the game played in a relentless downpour, the Bears making the perfect start when Mikhail Nisiforov and Kiril Kosharin exchanged passes down the left on a 50 metre break, Kosharin sliding over in the first minute, Aleksandr Lysokon converting. CLICK HERE to read more 28/6/14     Norway 10  Denmark  16 Norway were edged out by visiting Denmark in the first game of the 2014 Nordic Cup, in Bislett Stadium, Oslo. Despite taking 7th and 47th minute leads the Vikingen were twice pegged back and then overhauled by a resilient Danish side. CLICK HERE  to read more ...