richard lewis confirms

[dimitri]

European Nations Cup draw confirmed
Fri Aug 29, 5:15am (UK)
Source: RFL Official Release
The tournament is being hosted and organised by the Rugby Football League (RFL) on behalf of the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF). It will consist of seven matches and will be staged in five different countries (England, Wales, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland and France).

The competing nations are: England 'A', France, Ireland, Russia, Scotland and Wales. They will play in the following groups:

Group One - England 'A', Russia, Wales

Group Two - France, Ireland, Scotland

Each country will play each other country in its group once only. Two points will be awarded for a win; one for a draw, and none for a defeat. The two nations finishing top of their respective groups will qualify for the European Nations Cup Final which takes place at Wilderspool Stadium in Warrington on Sunday 16th November 2003.

The full fixture timetable is as follows:

Sunday 26th October 2003

Wales v Russia - Aberavon RFC, Wales KO 3.00pm

Scotland v Ireland - Glasgow, Scotland (KO and venue to be confirmed)

Saturday 1st November 2003
Ireland v France - Dalymount Park, Bohemians FC, Dublin, Ireland (KO tbc)

Sunday 2nd November 2003
England 'A' v Russia - Odsal Stadium, Bradford, England KO 3.00pm

Saturday 8th November / Sunday 9th November 2003
France v Scotland - Narbonne (KO and venue to be confirmed)

Sunday 9th November 2003
England 'A' v Wales - Headingley Stadium, Leeds , England KO 3.00pm

Sunday 16th November 2003
European Nations Cup Final - Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington Wolves, England KO 2.00pm

The RFL's National Player Performance Manager Graeme Thompson will act as Tournament Director with the RFL's Executive Chairman Richard Lewis serving as Tournament Chairman. Lewis welcomed today's announcement of the fixtures:

"As the host organisation, the RFL is delighted to be able to confirm the fixture schedule for the European Nations Cup.

"This new tournament is an important element of the European Federation's plans to continue to develop the sport at international level and will offer new representative opportunities for many players. It is the intention of the Federation that the European Nations Cup is further enhanced in the coming seasons and this year's tournament should be seen as an inaugural event upon which further progress can be built".

Lewis added: "The competing nations and group format will mean that the tournament will feature some tremendous matches which offer spectators the opportunity to experience the excitement and gripping spectacle of representative Rugby League.

"We feel confident Rugby League throughout Europe will benefit from staging the tournament at venues across the continent and there are sure to be many tremendous contests".

Each competing nation will confirm it's playing squad in due course.

Full details of ticket availability relating to each venue will also be released in due course.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[WH Nook]

Thanks for bringing that to our attention dimitri.

One thing that bothers me is that Odsal has been chosen, when Widnes' Halton Stadium would, IMO, have been a better option.

Will the final be the last match at Wilderspool?

 

[terracesider]

Odsal in November, just the climate for the Russians. :lol:

I think you're right about its unsuitablity, WHN. There's not a lot of atmosphere there at the best of times. I don't know what size of crowds they are hoping for, but it'd be much better with a smaller ground full. Didn't we learn anything from the last World Cup? :?