An Early Day Motion has been tabled in the House of Commons congratulating the Wales Rugby League squad on qualifying for next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Wales secured their place in the tournament after beating Italy 20-14 in a tense thriller at Stadio Brianteo in Monza. Wales hosted the 2013 World Cup alongside England, with the opening ceremony held in the Millennium Stadium.
The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will be played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea and sees a men’s and women’s tournament running concurrently, plus a Festival of World Cups played between national service, police, and student sides. Wales join England, Scotland and Ireland as qualifiers.
Early Day Motion 667 was tabled by Delyn MP David Hanson and, as well as congratulating the team, calls on the Government to support Rugby League more in Wales.
He said “It is wonderful to see the Welsh national side qualify to take part in the Rugby League World Cup 2017. Wales has and continues to produce some outstanding Rugby League players and it is vital the sport continues to grow and develop. Qualification to play against the world’s best is a huge draw and with all other home nations taking part, has the potential to see plenty of Tests played with great passion.”
The Motion states:
That this House congratulates the Wales Rugby League team, along with England, Scotland and Ireland, on qualifying for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November 2017; and calls on the Government to support the team to raise awareness of rugby league and its importance in Wales.
