International Rugby League (IRL) has made significant changes to its tournament schedule in a meeting held in Singapore. The most notable change is the postponement of the next World Cup until 2026, which will be played in the southern hemisphere. The tournament will retain its three-tournament format, including men’s, women’s, and wheelchair events. Additionally, standalone women’s tournaments will be held in 2028 and 2032.
In addition to these changes, the IRL announced plans for two Tri Nations tournaments in the southern hemisphere and a Pacific nation’s tour of the northern hemisphere. However, there is some unfortunate news for the men’s World Cups, as they will be reduced from 16 to 10 teams. IRL Chair Troy Grant defended this decision, stating that it will enhance the commercial opportunities and the integrity of the tournament.
Teams that reached the quarter-finals in the last World Cup are guaranteed spots in 2026, with only two spaces remaining. Furthermore, only full IRL members will be eligible to participate, reducing the number of eligible nations to 10. This change may pose a challenge for countries like Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, as their lower rankings may make it difficult for them to qualify. Greece and the USA are currently ineligible to participate but hope to secure full member status in the future.
The IRL intends to use the restructuring of the World Cup as an incentive for nations to improve domestic participation and governance. They also plan to enhance the status and structure of regional tournaments, such as the Pacific Cup and European Championship. In terms of the women’s and wheelchair tournaments, the top four teams will automatically qualify for the World Cup, with 30 other member teams competing for the remaining four spots.
Additionally, the scheduling of tournaments has changed, as the IRL is no longer concerned about clashes with other major sporting events. They are also in talks with Qatar and another Middle Eastern country about hosting future events. The organization aims to establish a long-term structure and calendar to enhance broadcast value and provide a narrative for TV companies.
However, the industrial action between the NRL and the players’ union may jeopardize international matches scheduled for later this year. This situation could impact the overall success of the IRL’s plans and tournaments.
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