Euro Cup evolution

[siv]

Seems the RLEF is looking at evolving the Euro Cup / Shield / Bowl or A B C grouos according to the IRL podcast

3 tiers

With the top 6 nation tier broken in two with 2 x 3 grouos

 

[deluded pom?]

Very much a reflection of the Oceania Cup then.

 

[Jim from Oz]

Seems the RLEF is looking at evolving the Euro Cup / Shield / Bowl or A B C grouos according to the IRL podcast

3 tiers

With the top 6 nation tier broken in two with 2 x 3 grouos

So what will be the teams in A, B and C?
I presume England, Wales and France in Pool A?

 

[Pommy]

Has the super league got a mid season break in 2020? I know they didn’t do it this year but I’m hoping it’s a one off.

 

[deluded pom?]

So what will be the teams in A, B and C?
I presume England, Wales and France in Pool A?

You’d also have Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Italy. Serbia don’t seem up to it. Spain?

 

[deluded pom?]

Has the super league got a mid season break in 2020? I know they didn’t do it this year but I’m hoping it’s a one off.

No. No break in 2020 believe it or not.

 

[Pommy]

No. No break in 2020 believe it or not.

I totally believe it, classic stupidity. This should be the third Denver test. I know it fell on it’s arse but surely we could have lined someone else up.

 

[Jim from Oz]

Let’s face it, it’s very hard to find a week’s break when you have an idiotically long 29-game season, with ludicrous loop fixtures , plus challenge cup matches etc

 

[Pommy]

Let’s face it, it’s very hard to find a week’s break when you have an idiotically long 29-game season, with ludicrous loop fixtures , plus challenge cup matches etc

they managed it for two seasons so it’s not that hard. Do it origin weekend so nrl players can be involved.

 

[adamkungl]

They should stick with 4N for the top tier.
Better format, more competitive intensity.

 

[deluded pom?]

I’ve seen it mentioned, but not confirmed, that England will play a mid season game when a full SL round is scheduled with no more than three players selected from one club.

 

[Springs09]

I dont mind 3 team pools if there's 2 pools in the top tier, like -
A - England, Wales, Ireland
B - France, Scotland, Italy

Could even have a cross-pool game so each team gets 3 games like pools c and d in the 2013 and 2017 World Cups.

England v Wales
France v Italy
Ireland v Scotland

England v Italy
Wales v Ireland
France v Scotland

England v Ireland
Wales v France
Scotland v Italy

Final - 1st A v 1st B

 

[welshmagpie]

I dont mind 3 team pools if there's 2 pools in the top tier, like -
A - England, Wales, Ireland
B - France, Scotland, Italy

Could even have a cross-pool game so each team gets 3 games like pools c and d in the 2013 and 2017 World Cups.

England v Wales
France v Italy
Ireland v Scotland

England v Italy
Wales v Ireland
France v Scotland

England v Ireland
Wales v France
Scotland v Italy

Final - 1st A v 1st B

fingers crossed they take that approach else the Celtic nations and France will be going from 3 annual games to just 2 - thats regression.

 

[welshmagpie]

Just listened to the podcast, a few bits not mentioned in this thread:

- The move is in order to be more attractive to broadcast partners. The RLEF put the WCQs to potential partners but NOBODY wanted it.

- Some announcements to be made before Christmas.

- 2 groups of 3 in a top tier of 6.

- A final (to appeal to broadcasts) ‘flagship event’ and a ‘trophy lift’

- 2022 Euros will also include a relegation play off with Euro B winner.

 

[Springs09]

fingers crossed they take that approach else the Celtic nations and France will be going from 3 annual games to just 2 - thats regression.

Well yes and no. Wales and France played no tests this year.

And yes, regression - exactly what the current format of the Oceania Cup is.

It really shouldn't be hard to give the Euro Nations regular games. Ex:
Year 1 - Euro Six Nations w/England using the above format. Possible tests v touring sides.
Year 2 - 8-team IRL tournament. WC Qualifiers for Euro Nations not involved.
Year 3 - The regular European Cup while England is touring/hosting tours. Tests v touring sides such as Australia, NZ or Tonga.
Year 4 - World Cup.

 

[bazza]

Should be sets of 4 nations
Play each other once over 3 weeks then final (can have relegation 3v4 as well if you want)

A: England, France, Wales, Scotland/Ireland

England could be a chance of winning a game (or at least scoring a couple of tries)