As well as a new format for the Super League Playoffs, 2009 will see a new International format as the Four Nations, Pacific Cup and European Cup begin.
Rugby League International Calendar
The next few years of International rugby were set in stone by the Rugby League International Federation last year when the World Cup was launched in Australia. Three separate tournaments will take place each year with sides competing on a regular basis on both sides of the globe.
In 2009 England, Australia, New Zealand and newcomers France will compete in the Gillette Four Nations event held in England and France. At the same time Ireland, Wales, Serbia, Italy, Scotland and Lebanon will take part in the European Cup. On the other side of the globe Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Fiji and the Cook Islands will meet in the Pacific Cup with the winners booking a place in the 2010 Four Nations to be held in the Southern Hemisphere. It is hoped that constant competitive rugby will see the rise of smaller nations such as Italy and Serbia. Neither side began their European Cup campaign well though, as the Italians were beaten 104-0 by Scotland and Serbia 82-0 by Ireland.
The five-year calendar looks like this:
- 2009 – Four Nations (held in Northern Hemisphere), European Cup, Pacific Cup (winners to 2010 Four Nations)
- 2010 – Four Nations (held in Southern Hemisphere), European Cup (containing France, winners to 2011 Four Nations), Pacific Cup
- 2011 – Four Nations (held in Northern Hemisphere, European Cup, Pacific Cup
- 2012 – TBA
- 2013 – World Cup to be held in England and Wales
2009 Four Nations
So, the first Four Nations tournament begins on Friday when England face France at The Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster. 24 hours later, the Australian Kangaroos will look for revenge against the World Champions New Zealand in London. After a disappointing World Cup campaign saw them finish bottom of the pile, the French will be hoping to restore some pride back in the jersey after their Super League side Les Catalans Dragons reached the semi-finals of the playoffs.
The fixtures and venues are as follows:
Fri Oct 23rd – England v France – Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster
Sat Oct 24th – Australia v New Zealand – Twickenham Stoop, London
Sat Oct 31st – England v Australia – DW Stadium, Wigan
Sat Oct 31st – France v New Zealand – Stade Ernest Walton, Toulouse
Sat Nov 7th – France v Australia – Charletty Stadium, Paris
Sat Nov 7th – England v New Zealand – Galpharm Stadium, Huddersfield
Sat Nov 14th – Four Nations Final – Elland Road, Leeds
The tournament will be broadcast in the UK on both Sky Sports and the BBC.
Sources: Rugby League International Federation
Adam Conroy - Despite not being an experienced writer, I have had a love of all things sport since a young age. I have travelled both the country and ...
