Date: 10/11/16
In response to Italy winning the final qualification place for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup by defeating Russia in the play-off match in Leigh, England, the Chief Executive Officer of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF), David Collier, was keen to extend his congratulations to both the RLEF and to FIRL, the Italian Governing Body.
“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.”
“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 David Collier and RLIF Chairman Nigel Wood, places Italy in the pool with Fiji and the USA and is certain to provide further high quality international rugby league.
