This is getting a bit off topic… But the problem with merging country groups is the distance. Some of those teams are travelling a long way as it is.
International Rugby League Future
- Thread starter tiger_sean
- Start date
citizen_cub
New member
Rugby has really thrived over the past few decades in expanding the game to nations who are prepared to try a different sport and it is great to see a couple of these 'minnows' challenge some of the top nations. Also the competitiveness of second-tier teams like Ireland and Wales, Ireland beating Australia and Wales coming within a point of South Africa, is a good sign, especially considering nobody gave them a chance of competing with the top nations.
Currently however, Rugby League is reluctant in trying to expand our game outside England and Australasia and until they really target more nations across the globe, our World Cup's are never going to be competitive. The Rugby League WC is, let's face it, a two-horse race. Even GB, who are supposedly ranked 3rd, never really compete with us or NZ. Until Rugby League actually have about 4 nations who are a legitimate chance of winning a WC, it is never going to attract a lot of interest. From a personal point of view, I've got to say I don't get excited before an upcoming Rugby League WC or Four Nations tournament for that matter :neutral_face:
Currently however, Rugby League is reluctant in trying to expand our game outside England and Australasia and until they really target more nations across the globe, our World Cup's are never going to be competitive. The Rugby League WC is, let's face it, a two-horse race. Even GB, who are supposedly ranked 3rd, never really compete with us or NZ. Until Rugby League actually have about 4 nations who are a legitimate chance of winning a WC, it is never going to attract a lot of interest. From a personal point of view, I've got to say I don't get excited before an upcoming Rugby League WC or Four Nations tournament for that matter :neutral_face:
Ireland should have beaten Australia in 1991\. There are a few potentially promising RL countries but it needs some decent incentives and developments. The Pacific countries I think are better suited for league than union. If countries like Samoa and Fiji were given the time and money and stopped losing players to Australia and NZ, they could be very competitive RL teams. Imagine if Fiji could call on Lote, Petero, Uate, and Hayne.
Outside of the Pacific Jamaica, Serbia, and Lebanon could be better teams if the money and chance to develop.
Outside of the Pacific Jamaica, Serbia, and Lebanon could be better teams if the money and chance to develop.
