Date: 18/7/16

The RLIF Board at its meeting this week received a report on the Rugby League World Cup 2017 launch scheduled for 19 July simultaneously in Brisbane and Auckland . The Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup, Michael Brown in Brisbane, and the Chief Executive of the Rugby League International Federation David Collier in Auckland, will be present at the launches.

Following an extensive bid process, overseen by an independent award panel, all venues for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup have now been determined and will be announced on 19 July together with the dates of the match programme and the make up of the four pools.

The Board further received a review of the Eligibility Rules compiled by the Chief Executive and Secretary. The review covered the history of the eligibility rules in rugby league, comparisons with the rules in other sports and federations, the unique characteristics of rugby league, how the rules complement the sport’s strategic plan, ‘Global Conversion’, and recommended amendments.

 

Having considered the recommendations the Board will now forward the report to the Full Members of RLIF to complete the consultation process for presentation to the Members at the Annual Congress in November.

The Board noted that the review of 2021 World Cup bids will be completed in August at which time the Global Media Rights Tenders for2018-2025 will have also been received.

The Board also noted the resignation from the Board of Carlos Zalduendo.

RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood commented :

“RLIF is most grateful to Carlos for his contribution to RLIF and to Rugby League in France. Carlos’ support of International Rugby League could not have been better demonstrated than his support and organisation of our World Congress in Paris last year for which we are most grateful.”

“RLIF looks forward to the launch of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup on 19 July and to the finalisation of the European Qualifiers in the coming weeks.”