Rugby League World Cup

The Rugby League World Cup, is a tournament in which a number of the strongest Rugby League nations participate in, to determine which nation is supreme in the sport.

History

Origins

The Rugby League World Cup sprang from French initiatives, who, had since 1935 been campaigning for a Rugby League World Cup. The idea was further pursued in 1951, post-war France, the pioneer of the concept was Paul Barriere, the President of the French Rugby League.

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The following year, 1952, in January, the idea gained momentum, gaining the support of English Rugby League secretary Bill Fallowfield, who in turn persuaded the Rugby League Council to support the concept. He succeded. In latter stages of that same year, the Rugby League Council gave the concept of a Rugby League World Cup their support.

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At a meeting held in Blackpool, England, November 1953, the International Board accepted Paul Barrie?s proposal that France should be the nation to host the inaugural Rugby League World Cup.

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Tournament History

Initially, the four test nations (Australia, Great Britain, France and New Zealand) played each other in a league format. On some occasions the winner was the team that finished top of this league, whilst on other occasions the top two teams played off in a World Cup Final.

Related Topics:
Australia - Great Britain - France - New Zealand - League

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In 1975 the format was altered, with Great Britain being split into England and Wales. The tournament was not held in any one place; rather a series of matches around the world was used to determine the standings. No final was held that year.

Related Topics:
1975 - England - Wales

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The competition returned to the old format in 1977, but the world-wide league format was re-instigated in 1985. This time the matches were spread over three years, being specially designated test matches within the standard test series. This format was used twice, with World Cup Finals being held in 1988 and 1992.

Related Topics:
1977 - 1985 - 1988 - 1992

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In 1995 the competition was held in the United Kingdom to help celebrate the centenary of rugby league. The ten team format used proved successful, and the World Cup was further expanded to sixteen teams in 2000. This proved a step too far and the 2000 World Cup was not generally considered to be a success. Low attendences were recorded for many matches and the tournement did not make a profit.

Related Topics:
1995 - United Kingdom - 2000

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The next World Cup is due to be held in Australia in 2008. A similar format to that used in 1995 is expected, with between 8 and 12 teams likely to feature.

Related Topics:
Australia - 2008

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The original concept of a tournament involving only the top sides in the game has been carried forward to the Tri-Nations competition.

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