Jim from Oz

In hindsight, I agree that some of the matches at the 2022 RL World Cup were absolutely ridiculous and pointless mismatches, England versus Greece being a case in point as you note. perhaps it would’ve been better in hindsight to have four pools of four teams, with eight of the stronger teams in two pools - with three going through to the quarter-finals from each pool - then with the other two pools of four each, only the winner of each pool would go through… Then you would’ve had many more competitive matches and every team would still have had the chance to make the quarter-finals. Maybe they could have this format for a future 16-team RLWC if we ever have one again…

To not include France, with its almost hundred year history of rugby league, in place of Lebanon, where there are a few teams at best, in an 8-team RLWC in 2025 would be absolutely ludicrous… France until a few weeks ago were going to be the hosts!… But as this is international rugby league, it probably will happen!!!

Indeed…

https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/132343865/new-zealand-rugby-league-working-on-unique-world-cup-bid-that-includes-pacific-islands

I am beginning to think you’re right…

Yep, I reckon you’re on the money there …

Er…. Back on topic please class! There are LOTS of interesting tidbits in this piece from the IRL: https://www.intrl.sport/news/explainer-the-venues-size-structure-qualifying-process-being-considered-for-rlwc2025/

https://www.barrons.com/amp/news/fiji-riding-rugby-league-popularity-in-making-world-cup-host-bid-67b98188

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/490291/2025-rugby-league-world-cup-fiasco-symptom-of-larger-problem

IIRC it was called “France Rugby League”

Now South Africa has supposedly put in a bid !! This really is getting utterly ridiculous- even for RL !!! https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/2023/may/17/qatar-steps-up-to-join-bidders-for-next-rugby-league-world-cup-in-2025

Mmmmmmm …. And how many RL fans would travel to Qatar for it??? Not me, for starters. France? Oui Qatar? No. PS: I’m still shattered about France pulling out …

I am just too speechless to say anything… Apart from pointing out that I am absolutely gutted… I don’t think I can take any more international rugby league rubbish like this… It is just too depressing trying to be a fan.

Some stuff in here about possible RLWC in the US in 2029 (which I personally still think is a pipe dream): https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/why-nrl-can-finally-break-through-in-us-with-its-great-vegas-gamble-20230513-p5d84a.html

An excellent game… Kept me occupied in the airport while my flight was delayed!

I will watch the game today on YouTube while waiting for my plane at Madrid airport!

Would have LOVED to Paul, merci, but I will be well into my Camino in Italy by then! Maybe next year???

Grazie!

Very good suggestion I have been in Spain and Portugal for the past three weeks walking along various routes of the Camino de Santiago… now going to Italy to do two more weeks of walking there.

Thanks but I am actually in Europe at the moment!

Merci! What are the kickoff times?

That story is behind a pay wall… Can someone please post all of it? Thanks.

Yes, I think you may be right, and that article from the French newspaper (also posted here by fcl) seems to indicate the same thing… Not enough French cities and towns have supported the bid, as we saw with Avignon (so sad because they attracted 17,000 people to the 2013 World Cup match against New Zealand… It just shows the potential for rugby league in France!) I remain hopeful but I despair about this …

https://inews.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/rugby-league-world-cup-2025-at-risk-of-postponement-after-funding-cuts-2338385

Okay back to the opening topic… Any news from the meeting in France?