The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) today welcomed news from the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) and The Rugby Football League (RFL), that the proposed Test match scheduled for 23 June in Denver between the Kiwis and England, the first of three such matches, remaines on track.
“Apart from being a first of its kind,” commented RLIF Chairman John Grant, “this week’s CEO’s meeting afforded the opportunity for the NZRL, the RFL and the RLIF to meet directly with the RLPA, NRL and NRL clubs, allowing all parties to put their best foot forward in support of international rugby league.”
All parties involved in the process of seeking sanctioning for this match, acknowledged that it has been challenging. The International Federation has committed to work with its member nations and player representatives, to review and improve this process.
“With the ever changing broadcast rights landscape,” Mr Grant went on, “more international matches will grow the number of participants, and sldo our audience worldwide, and will consequently increase revenue to the NRL and Super League from their domestic rights.
“Growing this revenue line is an opportunity for the clubs, and it is the job of the Federation’s to ensure the transparency of both a long range international schedule and the process by which matches are sanctioned. This is at the top of our ‘to do’ list”
