Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Philippines v Portugal 2013 International 9's

IRL World Rankings: How realistic are they?

The latest IRB world rankings came out on December 10th and show the top four countries, in order, New Zealand, England, Tonga and Australia. The IRL states on its website that world rankings are...
European Rugby League Ball

Reaction from Euro nations to new Rugby League world rankings

Following the release of the new men’s, women’s and wheelchair world rankings by the IRL, there has been some significant movement for some European nations. In the men’s, Serbia – who played the most Test fixtures in...
Japanese Rugby League

Japan the Rugby League nation of the Far East

By Matthew Brown, Date: 15/9/14

Japan is nicknamed the “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is a unique country with a population of over 100 million people. Japanese people love their sports, both traditional ones and those brought in from overseas such as Football (soccer), Baseball and Rugby Union. What many Japanese people don’t know is that the sport of Rugby League has been played in the country for over 25 years.

Japan Rugby League map

Rugby League Planet – Japan snapshot and rugby league results

JAPAN RUGBY LEAGUE NATION OVERVIEW

Foundation Year - 1994

International Team - Samurais

Highest finish in World Cup - 6th position Emerging Nations World Cup (2000)

Top level domestic competition - In the early 2000's they had a 3 team competition.