International Rugby League has a future
Tue Nov 11, 6:02pm (NZ)
Written by: Carl Ewart
The news of Adrian Morley not getting suspended, was great news not only for the Lions but also International Rugby League. A judiciary panel ruled the sending off was sufficient penalty and did not ban him from the remaining two Tests. There was also more good news on the International Rugby League front today, with Chairman of the Rugby League International Federation, Colin Love has revealed that a World Cup in 2007 is firmly on the agenda. After the recent matches of test football between the three big nations of Rugby League getting closer and closer, it has proven that International Rugby League has a future.
Love, also admitted there wont be another Ashes tour for at least the next four years. But he said he believed Great Britains showing in the first test match against the Kangaroos is that next years Tri-Nations series - between New Zealand, Australia and Great Britain - would be a huge success.
The only thing one could hope is that England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales benefit from Great Britain's exposure to more test matches
..Or we will see another two horse race between Australia and New Zealand. But judging by the amount of recent test matches played and the results, I believe that the World Cup in 2007 will be the closest ever in Rugby League. The teams to watch will be England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France, and Lebanon. These teams will be the biggest threats to Australia and New Zealand, unless major development happens in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga in the next 4 years. Obviously the financial situation in PNG as prevented there Team from playing football in International rugby League which is a big shame for any league fan.
Hopefully the RLIF realise that for the 3 teams in next years tri series, that for warm up games they play teams like Lebanon, PNG, and France. There are so many ways to make International League stronger...but at the end of the day, lack of money will always hurt International League.
Recent Results from some of the rapid developing International Rugby League teams:
1. Lebanon (Mediterranean Cup Champions)
Lebanon 102 Serbia 0
Lebanon 60 Morocco 0
Lebanon 28 France 18
2. Scotland
Ireland 24 Scotland 22
Scotland 8 France 6
3. Ireland
USA 20 Ireland 12
Ireland 24 Scotland 22
France 26 Ireland 18
4. France
France 30 BARLA 24
France 29 Russia 12
France 28 NZ Maori 16
France 72 Morocco 0
France 120 Serbia 0
Lebanon 26 France 18
France 26 Ireland 18
Scotland 8 France 6
5. Wales
Wales 74 Russia 4
Austrailia 76 Wales 4
England A 22 Wales 4
If anyone knows any more results of International Rugby league scores for these teams in 2003 please email me
carl@rleague.com