Date: 24/6/18
International matches have captured the attention of Rugby League fans across the globe this weekend as matches were played in Australia and in the USA.
The ground-breaking game in Denver, Colorado between England and New Zealand, which was won by England (36 – 18) provided vital information to assist the planning for the Rugby League World Cup 2025 which is currently scheduled for the States.
The game was attended by almost 20,000 spectators, which provides real encouragement for RLWC2025 organisers, and was enjoyed by a global audience on TV. As a part of the International Weekend, we also witnessed the Pacific Tests in which PNG defeated Fiji and Tonga prevailed over Samoa, both of which were highly anticipated events after their performances at RLWC2017.
Nigel Wood, Rugby League International Federation CEO summed up the excitement of the fans and players alike saying
“I would like to congratulate the players for the quality of the games this weekend, it highlights the impact they have on growing the game internationally.”
“The game in Denver was as spectacular as it was informative. Rugby League has been presented to one of the greatest sporting nations in the world and allowed them to start to build a relationship with the sport.”
“At the same time, once again the Pacific Nations players have demonstrated their pride in representing their countries and their passion for international Rugby League as they played two pulsating games this weekend.”
“We understand the passion for international Rugby League in the Pacific Region and the players and fans deserve the most competitive structure possible. We are looking forward to working with the Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation and all of the Pacific RLIF members to create a competition structure similar to that which has developed in Europe over the past few years. Ideally we will have this in place for 2019.”
