Richard Lewis happy with Rugby League World Cup 2013 qualifiers
Vice Chairman of Rugby League International Federation, Richard Lewis, has paid tribute to th international rugby league matches played over the weekend. Twelve nations were part of six encounters that were played in four different continents for the World
Cup 2013 qualifiers in the European and Atlantic Zones.
While talking about the qualification matches over the weekend, the Chairman of RFL said that he took great pride the way games were played on Saturday and Sunday and termed the matches as very meaningful.
Lewis also talked about the hard work that has gone into the development of the sport over a number of years in places like Eastern Europe and the Middle East. He further added, "It is immensely gratifying that those efforts are coming to fruition. South
Africa and Russia and almost the entire Serbian side were, for example, comprised of players who have come to the sport through their domestic ranks. In addition, those who qualify by eligibility have strong blood ties through the grandparent rule and I have
sensed a true passion for them to be involved in teams like Italy or Lebanon. Their presence is hugely helping the growth of the sport in those countries.”
He added further that Scotland and Ireland were featuring eight debutants. Both outfits had seven players who had picked up the game in their domestic rugby league competition. This news was very pleasing for those fans who genuinely encouraged the spread
and growth of the game.
In Newcastle, a Australia versus New Zealand clash was loaded with exceptional skills, which speaks a great deal about the upcoming Gillette Four Nations Tournament in 12 days time while the World Cup Qualifiers are still underway. It was also acknowledged
that this means that there is a lot of excitement in store for International games.
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