RUGBY LEAGUE NATION

 

Foundation Year - 1954

International Team - Tomahawks

Highest finish in World Cup - Two wins Emerging Nations World Cup (2000)

Top level domestic competition - American National Rugby League has 10 teams along the east coast of America.

History - The United States first flirted with rugby league when the American All Stars toured Australia in 1953.

It was not until 1987 that the Untied States setup a small local competition involving four teams (One team from Canada). In the same year United States played their first international against Canada. In 1995 United States took part in the Emerging Nations World Cup. The US lost all their games but had taken the next step in development. In 2004 United States played Australia in a game that was modified into four quarters. At half time the United States were ahead of the shocked Australian team. In the 2nd half Australia came back to win the game and save face. United States recently played in the 2008 World Cup qualifiers missing out on the 10th and final spot after losing to Samoa in the Repechage rounds. Their display showed that rugby league in the US is improving.

The growth of Rugby League continues in the United States with Russel Crowe promoting a trial game between Leeds Rhinos and South Sydney in January 2008. Played at Jacksonville, over 12000 fans packed the UNF stadium to see Leeds defeat Souths in a close ecounter.

Dear Readers, If you have first hand knowledge of the current Rugby League situation in United States we would love to hear from you. Please email us at: webmaster@rugbyleagueplanet.com

Nov 9th Samoa 42 - United States 10 (World Cup Qualifier)

Nov 4th Cumbria 70 - United States 0

Oct 28th United States 54 - Japan 18 (World Cup Qualifier)

Feb 4th Italy A 38 - United States 6

Jan 26th United States 40 - Japan 10