Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) Chief Executive David Collier has congratulated Italy on winning the final qualification place for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
The Italians qualified by defeating Russia 76-0 in the play-off match in Leigh last Friday night, and Collier extended his congratulations to the Rugby League European Federation, which had organised the qualifying matches in the northern hemisphere.
“RLIF congratulates the European Federation on a compelling series of matches resulting in Wales, Ireland and Italy winning the final three qualification places for RLWC2017 and particularly FIRL (Federazione Italiana Rugby League) on their qualification for the World Cup, which takes place in Australia, New Zealand and PNG starting in October 2017,” said Collier.
“The progress of FIRL is warmly welcomed, being the only official body permitted to select national Rugby League teams to play in RLIF sanctioned men’s or women’s international events or to publish or utilise the rules of Rugby League in Italy .”
Victory in the final qualification game, which was attended by both Collier and RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood, places Italy in the pool with Fiji and the USA.
The Italians will play Ireland in Cairns, the USA in Townsville and Fiji in Canberra.
