To read an exclusive interview with the RFL and RLIF chief Nigel Wood, pick up issue 2,941 of Rugby League Express, available online now, or in all good newsagents tomorrow
Nigel Wood has delivered his verdict on the state of international Rugby League after visiting Samoa and the Cook Islands while Down Under for the Four Nations.
A release sent to the media, which explained how the RFL head honcho took time out of his hectic schedule to visit the picturesque isles, “check the pulse” of the game down there, and even spare some time for the Samoan Prime Minister, hinted that the international game is as strong as ever.
“It was a pleasure to meet the Prime Minster and there was a keen sense of support for the game and its international dimension on both islands”, Wood said.
“It is quite clear that at the highest levels of Samoan politics, Rugby League is keenly understood and its ability to galvanise the nation and be a force for good is not lost.
“New Zealand’s triumph in the Four Nations has brought the curtain down on international rugby league for this year and the result is being factored in to the latest official world rankings which will be released on December 1.
To read an exclusive interview with the RFL and RLIF chief Nigel Wood, pick up issue 2,941 of Rugby League Express, available online now, or in all good newsagents tomorrow
“The year has seen more nations than ever before play at Test or representative level, with Scotland emerging as European Champions for the first time in their 20 year history earlier this month and Greece claiming European Championship C and the inaugural Balkans Championship recently.
“While we are still in the process of delivering a long-term, sustainable international calendar – and that has moved on apace – there has been much to admire and celebrate in 2014.
“There are more domestic competition matches being played worldwide than ever before and this is translating into international fixtures from Jamaica to Thailand. One of our key aims is to have more people playing Rugby League in more places, more often and that is undoubtedly happening.
“In support of that aim, programmes to develop more coaches and match officials have been, and continue to be, delivered across both hemispheres and in conjunction with bodies like the European Union. Crowds in places like Canada and Serbia, for example, are highly encouraging as are television audiences.
“We have seen the launch of a Pacific Development Programme, increased ground level support to South and West Africa plus continued positive news in the United States.
“We now have the qualifiers for the 2017 World Cup on the horizon and the bidding process for the 2021 tournament taking shape, as well as some terrific international clashes next year, including the culmination of European Championship B and the Kiwis touring England.
“All in all there are many reasons to be proud of what has been achieved globally in 2014 and genuine excitement for more progress in 2015 and beyond.”
