From Tri-Nations to Four-Nations Rugby League's international journey continues

By RLP 24/12/2007

Recently Richard Lewis provided an insight into the road map for international rugby league. The recent Tri-Nations tournaments in 2004, 2005 and 2006 have provided international rugby league with a breath of fresh air. International league is back and here to stay. The 2008 Rugby League World Cup will be a true indication of how far rugby league has progressed at the international level. The proposed 2009 Four-Nations will continue with the momentum of the World Cup.

France has made steady progress since the Catalans Dragons secured a franchise in Super League in 2006. It was not that long ago that French Rugby League was dying a slow death, how times have changed. In 2007 the Catalans became the first French team to play in the Challenge Cup Final. France also won a test series against Papua New Guinea and nearly pulled of the upset of the year by narrowly losing to New Zealand in a one off test match.With another 2 years under their belt, 2009 seems to be the right time for France to return to the big stage in a Four-Nations series. The question is how do we build on the Four-Nations moving forward?

France need to prove that they are worthy of playing in the Four-Nations. If France can show that they can compete and win games then they deserve a permanent place in the tournament. There will be no benefit if they play in 2009 and don't get another chance for another 2 years. The downside to having the French in the Four-Nations ongoing is other league nations like Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji miss out. This is where the RLIF need to look beyond the Four-Nations.

Once France become permanent players in the Four-Nations then expand it to a Five-Nations tournament. The 5th spot can be awarded to the 5th internationally ranked team. After a few years in the top flight and when the 5th team can hold its own against the other four nations then expanded it again. Continue with the same process until such a time we have 8 nations and then look at breaking it up into a southern & northern hemisphere Four-Nations. Then continue to grow from there. In 10 to 15 years time we might have 8 to 10 nations playing at the top level.

League really needs to build a credible international competition. The Tri-nations was the start. Hopefully the 2008 World Cup will continue that development. With the Four-Nations building on the success of the World Cup, Step-by-Step international rugby league needs to build up its credibility. A step too big might undo all the progress made in recent times.