RLIF annouces RLWC 2021 will expand to 16 nations

[Burns]

With expressions of interest to host the 2021 World Cup starting to come in, Rugby League International Federation CEO David Collier has confirmed that the number of nations participating in it will rise from 14 to 16.

"The growth of rugby league internationally is reflected in the expansion of the tournament to four pools of four," Collier said.

"The strength of the 2017 World Cup qualifiers to date, across the continents, has shown a significant increase in playing standard and quality and the newly adopted international calendar will ensure that teams will have a minimum of 15 months prior to the 2021 event to stake their claim."

In addition, the 2021 Women's World Cup, which will run at the same time, will be increased to six nations.

http://rlif.com/rugby-league-international-news/article/1629/rlif-announces--team-format

Wow, huge news! Fantastic development.

 

[langpark]

So stoked about this. I feel the timing is perfect too! We'll have 3 solid, profitable WC's of 14 teams under our belts by then, ready to expand. Gives all those fringe nations (Canada, Jamaica, Cooks, Serbia, Spain, Greece, Malta etc) plenty of incentive over the next 5 years too!

 

[Evil Homer]

Great news.

 

[roughyedspud]

I wanna hear we're having a under 20s world cup next

 

[adamkungl]

*applause*

Big day for Int RL news with England's coaching appointment too.

Is it safe to be a bit excited about the future?

 

[Last Week]

*applause*

Big day for Int RL news with England's coaching appointment too.

Is it safe to be a bit excited about the future?

I've felt excited for our future since the Australia vs New Zealand pool game at the SFS of the 08 World Cup. You could feel that that was the beginning of something good for our game.

 

[jim_57]

Awesome news! I imagine it won't be different to the current setup aside from adding 15 and 16 to the weaker groups and ditching the "crossover" games. That system should be perfect for at least the next few World Cups, once the gap between the top 3 and rest closes a bit and hoprfully we have a few more capable of winning it then maybe play with the format again or even look at more teams.

 

[jim_57]

I wanna hear we're having a under 20s world cup next

I like this idea! I would add to it though an annual Under 20's 6 nations just so that players from every year get a chance to win a major trophy at junior level. With only the World Cup every 4 years a country could have a golden year or 2 that miss out because of timing (too young for one, too old for the next).

How about an annual series with Australia, England, NZ & France as auto qualifiers and 2 qualifiers every year. This would also help countries like France, Wales, PNG, Fiji, USA etc showcase their best juniors and get them in the spotlight of Professional clubs which in the long run will benefit the senior sides. Even junior teams who don't make a the final 6 or World Cup would be scrutinized in the qualifiers.

A comprehensive junior system will only help build the World Cup over time, more young players from tier 2 countries in SL & NRL teams should be one of the main goals going forward.

 

[deal.with.it]

I'd probably prefer an u18s 6 nations/world cup. Purely because this would mean australia and nz wouldn't be picking players who are at nrl clubs and training/playing full time.
It would mean scores would be a bit closer. You only need to look at how france fares against aus and england in u16s and u18s.
It would mean aus, nz, eng, france, png, south africa, serbia, wales, and then maybe canada, ukraine, russia, scotland, ireland, fiji, samoa, tonga, etc would be rather competitive at u18 level.

I fear australia and new zealand would blow them away if it was u20s or 21s.

 

[deal.with.it]

It could also then lead to guys sining contracts to full time clubs, developing further and then helping their open age national team when they are 19, 20.

 

[Last Week]

Honestly, I feel that we need at least another country to have full time professional competition for us to get another nation capable of winning it. Either that or the NRL gets weaker and brings Australia and NZ back to the pack a bit. (similar with what happened to England Rugby when the Northern Union was formed).

 

[roughyedspud]

Id fancy england to win the under 20s given most if not all the team will have ESL experience while all the aussies & kiwis are still running around at youth grade...reserve grade if they are lucky

 

[jim_57]

I'd probably prefer an u18s 6 nations/world cup. Purely because this would mean australia and nz wouldn't be picking players who are at nrl clubs and training/playing full time.
It would mean scores would be a bit closer. You only need to look at how france fares against aus and england in u16s and u18s.
It would mean aus, nz, eng, france, png, south africa, serbia, wales, and then maybe canada, ukraine, russia, scotland, ireland, fiji, samoa, tonga, etc would be rather competitive at u18 level.

I fear australia and new zealand would blow them away if it was u20s or 21s.

Very good point, and maybe 18 is the way to go, also gives NRL/SL clubs more of a window to develop any players they spot/sign which would be a positive for clubs and developing nations alike. I really think this is the way forward for developing nations and should be one of the RLIF's priorities, the medium/long term gain at senior level would be enormous.

Australia, NZ, England & France locks every year. Then qualifiers for whoever wants to participate with 2 getting a spot. Obviously regionalise/compact these fixtures to avoid financial burden where possible.

 

[taipan]

Finally, International rugby league is stirring,and now unafraid to show its potential.A forward thinking decision by the RLIF,the more countries involved in such a Tournament ,the bigger the interest.

Our code has had sand kicked in its face by the International knockers(usually the leather patch brigade) for far too long,time to stand up for oneself.


Bring it on as the saying goes.

 

[Sinman]

The RLIF is making announcements a little more frequently since they appointed someone to properly oversee it! Things are happening and it's exciting to see!