Nigel Wood confirms 22-month International Programme for Rugby League
While talking to media on December 14, the Rugby Football League (RFL) chief executive, Nigel Wood, confirmed that the managment will soon reveal a 22-month international programme, which will stretch down to Rugby League World Cup 2013.
The news about the international games’ schedule was stressed upon by England’s head coach, Steve McNamara, who wanted his side to build up on the progress made during the 2011 Four Nations campaign. This year's Four Nations proved very beneficial for England,
who embarked on the series as third favourites but down the length of the campaign improved on their game many folds. They reached the campaign’s title decider, after overwhelming last year’s contenders, New Zealand, in the semi-final of the series and competed
for this year’s title.
Although England badly failed to combat the strength of Australians, who were tagged as the series’ favourites in the Four Nations title decider, they were all set to continue playing until World Cup in 2013.
Meanwhile, Australia has announced going on an extended break until Rugby League World Cup. There are some issues with NRL and it is still not known how well they will respond to the idea.
While expressing his views about the latest on the international game schedule, Wood said, "The international programme is taking shape. The RFL's policy on the primacy of international football is not necessarily shared by everyone around the world. The
NRL have issues of their own to work through but hopefully the new administration will have a more enlightened attitude."
Wood also shared that with the Australians not fond of international games, the World Club Challenge is suffering. This means that as Australians are not conducive to the idea of international game, it is affecting those who are willing to participate in
the international games.
The RFL chief has also not written off the possible reformation of Great Britain's future tours. However, League are dedicated to encourage England Knights who played their first encounter this year.
It will be interesting to see how well received the international game plan for the next two years will be.
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