Rugby League World Cup 2026
International Rugby League World Cup 2026
- Thread starter WahsaurusRex
- Start date
NZWarriors.com
You may Jest but Saudis have actually shown interest in the Union WC
NZWarriors.com
Context: the 2025 World Cup was originally supposed to be in USA and Canada but the offer was withdrawn due to financial concerns, hosting was subsequently awarded to France. In May 2023 the French organisers pulled out of hosting the World Cup and it’s been delayed until 2026 as they try to find someone… anyone who will host it!
Still gutted it’s not in France.
Looking at the possible options really rams how much the sport revolves around Australia.
We really need to give the sport a push in the northern hemisphere- we need a strong presence there to have a legit international scene. But oRiGiN….
Looking at the possible options really rams how much the sport revolves around Australia.
We really need to give the sport a push in the northern hemisphere- we need a strong presence there to have a legit international scene. But oRiGiN….
It’s up to Australia to make the sport not about Australia.
At the moment I see league as a professional club sport and tests are a glorified chance for the players to see the world
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #8
They will do what will make them the most money, the thing is that to them means putting it at Accor thinking they will fill it out with no regard for atmosphere, and they will put the game at some ridiculous hour to cater to broadcasters lol Hopefully, the tournament is in NZ to negate that influence a bit.
My gripe at the moment is that it is planned to be just 10 teams, which is 1. Just too few, and 2. Will mean an unbelievably stupid format. The last time they had 10 teams, they had one pool of 4 teams, and two pools of 3 teams.. Also If the Pacific Championship is kept up, it would mean the RLWC is just that, plus Lebanon and England.
(Pointlessly) Crossing my fingers that they change their mind and go to 12 teams, and go with four pools of 3. Which is small but at least it can be scaled up easily so we aren't changing formats all the time. The pool games are really just warm-ups for the top teams anyway. gotta throw in a Bronze Medal Final, with such a short tournament too
The international game is crying out for a billionaire investor. Unfortunately that will probably never happen but you have to fight fire with fire. Say a billionaire comes along and wants to underwrite everything you could pretty much do whatever you wanted to and grow the game globally. You could have a 16 team World Cup in Japan or wherever. While the nrl have the money we will always play with their refs at their times and only when they want us to play them. The ship has sailed unfortunately and we will only get tokenism from the Aussies moving forward.
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #10
- Thread starter
- #11
This is the right move to reduce to 10 teams.
Some of those shellackings in the last tournament were tough to watch.
NZWarriors.com
Sensible and predictable having Australia host again after the USA and then France withdrew as hosts.
- Thread starter
- #15
“Australia is set to the deliver the most competitive and culturally diverse World Cup ever staged” - PVL
Not sure how they plan on making it the most culturally diverse when Jamaica, Greece and 4 other countries are being dropped out on the Men’s side, and Brazil and Canada on the Women’s side. Hopefully they give the World Series a lot of attention next year to make up for it.
Should've guaranteed the Americas one of the remaining two spots so we can have at least one team from every confederation, and make it less of a "Pacific Championship with a couple invitation teams"
Just wish we got it (and maybe shared pool games with Samoa and Tonga) The goal of the World Cup, especially ones like ours that will be making bugger all $, should be the grow the sport. Cutting out the smaller countries, and hosting it in Australia is as far the other direction as it could be. Though I get going for the safest option after all the dramas with France.
Hope so, Last time there was 10 teams there was a pool of 4, and 2x pools of 3, with 5 teams qualifying for the finals. just a totally cracked up format.
Having a 6 teams finals, with 2v3 in the first round of finals, then the winners playing the 1st place team in each pool would be good to see as well.
Not sure how they plan on making it the most culturally diverse when Jamaica, Greece and 4 other countries are being dropped out on the Men’s side, and Brazil and Canada on the Women’s side. Hopefully they give the World Series a lot of attention next year to make up for it.
Should've guaranteed the Americas one of the remaining two spots so we can have at least one team from every confederation, and make it less of a "Pacific Championship with a couple invitation teams"
Just wish we got it (and maybe shared pool games with Samoa and Tonga) The goal of the World Cup, especially ones like ours that will be making bugger all $, should be the grow the sport. Cutting out the smaller countries, and hosting it in Australia is as far the other direction as it could be. Though I get going for the safest option after all the dramas with France.
Hope so, Last time there was 10 teams there was a pool of 4, and 2x pools of 3, with 5 teams qualifying for the finals. just a totally cracked up format.
Having a 6 teams finals, with 2v3 in the first round of finals, then the winners playing the 1st place team in each pool would be good to see as well.
NZWarriors.com
It is what it is. I suppose the IRL itself has taken some financial hits with the last couple of World Cups that Aussie with the NRL connections etc probably the only real bid that could provide some money in the kete. With that you have to accept their terms which was a 10 team tournament with double/triple headers.
They're obviously trying to maximise as much money out of a tv deal with as little input as possible. I don't think it will be 2 pools of 5 as it will mean an almost 7 week comp. Knowing the NRL they will most likely want the comp completed within 4 weeks. RLPA will be ensuring the Kangaroos players play no more than 4 games to win the comp so its probably 2 pool games, a semi and a final. We don't even have warm up tests like we use to get it will be straight into the tournament and before you know it it will be over. Its ashame but until the IRL can stand on their own 2 feet which may be never we will have to accept the NRL or SL's bids and the length of tournament they feel will make them a profit. Beggars can't be choosers and it seems to be that case for the forseeable future in the international game which is a far cry it seems from even the four nations era.
They're obviously trying to maximise as much money out of a tv deal with as little input as possible. I don't think it will be 2 pools of 5 as it will mean an almost 7 week comp. Knowing the NRL they will most likely want the comp completed within 4 weeks. RLPA will be ensuring the Kangaroos players play no more than 4 games to win the comp so its probably 2 pool games, a semi and a final. We don't even have warm up tests like we use to get it will be straight into the tournament and before you know it it will be over. Its ashame but until the IRL can stand on their own 2 feet which may be never we will have to accept the NRL or SL's bids and the length of tournament they feel will make them a profit. Beggars can't be choosers and it seems to be that case for the forseeable future in the international game which is a far cry it seems from even the four nations era.
Cool- played in Australia with all Australian refs…
Wish I could get excited about it but may as well hand them the trophy now.
Think I’d rather we just tour Great Britain tbh.
NZWarriors.com
- Thread starter
- #19
Five tendering nations have been confirmed for the IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2030.
Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-30 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments.
For the 2030 Men’s World Cup, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and USA have now moved onto the next stage of bidding.
It is the most geographically extensive bidding group in the men’s competition’s history, dating from 1954.
South Africa had previously bid in 2017, while the United States was awarded preferred host status for RLWC 2025 before financial difficulties prompted IRL to withdraw that status in 2019.
KENYA
Kenya’s bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup is bold but would make a huge impact for the game in Africa.
“At times we have to believe in the dream even when others find it a gargantuan task. Kenya 2030 would change the perception of the world about rugby league,” noted Henry Sisye, chair of Kenya Rugby League’s bid committee. “We believe that we can deliver on such a promise.”
NEW ZEALAND
With the Kiwis winning the 2023 Pacific Cup and the Warriors being the first elite club team to sell out every home match in a season, Rugby League in New Zealand has never been stronger. New Zealand has the facilities, knowledge and passion to deliver a successful World Cup in 2030, and leave a lasting legacy for the game.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters said: “Rugby league is experiencing significant growth in New Zealand, with passionate fans and increasing participation levels across the country testament to that.
“Bringing a major rugby league event in the 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup, the pinnacle of our sport, to New Zealand presents New Zealand Rugby League with an opportunity to not only capitalise on that growth but help to further embed rugby league into the fabric of our communities, inspiring those to come.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world in which rugby league is the national sport and has the most passionate fans in the game as well as strong government and corporate support.
“PNGFRL has now hosted a number of International over the last 5-6 years and we have the experiences and the personal to host this event, “said PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina.
“Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture, history and has beautiful scenery, we would love to showcase our beautiful country to the rest of the world.”
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said: “Everyone in Papua New Guinea loves rugby league”.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has the facilities and resources to stage the world’s biggest sporting events and a proven track record for doing so the highest level. South Africa RL president, Dr Frans Erasmus, said the Rugby League World Cup was a chance to put the game on the map in South Africa and across Africa.
“We boast a rich history of staging extraordinary international events, and our aim is to add the prestigious IRL Men’s World Cup to that illustrious list," Dr Erasmus said.
"Rugby league, often referred to here as a sleeping giant, is poised for a transformative moment, with our bid not only capitalising on the growth of the sport in South Africa but also across the continent.
“With the unwavering support of our passionate fans, our world-class facilities and the backing of our dedicated stakeholders, we are confident that South Africa will deliver a truly exceptional IRL World Cup experience, setting a new standard for excellence."
UNITED STATES
The United States is the world’s biggest sports market and has an unrivalled reputation for hosting major events. With a new board and a growing relationship with the NRL, the USARL believe the 2030 World Cup could help take the game to previously unachievable levels in the United States.
“One of our primary strategic objectives is to enhance the visibility and awareness of rugby league throughout the United States,” noted USARL chair Matt Goschnick.
“Bidding for and hosting major sporting events are pivotal as they not only spark interest but also attract critical investment and new partners to the game, all which are needed for sustainable growth.”
Each bid will be assessed in February, followed by a joint announcement of the three hosts.
In other words, it's us or the U.S.
Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-30 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments.
For the 2030 Men’s World Cup, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and USA have now moved onto the next stage of bidding.
It is the most geographically extensive bidding group in the men’s competition’s history, dating from 1954.
South Africa had previously bid in 2017, while the United States was awarded preferred host status for RLWC 2025 before financial difficulties prompted IRL to withdraw that status in 2019.
KENYA
Kenya’s bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup is bold but would make a huge impact for the game in Africa.
“At times we have to believe in the dream even when others find it a gargantuan task. Kenya 2030 would change the perception of the world about rugby league,” noted Henry Sisye, chair of Kenya Rugby League’s bid committee. “We believe that we can deliver on such a promise.”
NEW ZEALAND
With the Kiwis winning the 2023 Pacific Cup and the Warriors being the first elite club team to sell out every home match in a season, Rugby League in New Zealand has never been stronger. New Zealand has the facilities, knowledge and passion to deliver a successful World Cup in 2030, and leave a lasting legacy for the game.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters said: “Rugby league is experiencing significant growth in New Zealand, with passionate fans and increasing participation levels across the country testament to that.
“Bringing a major rugby league event in the 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup, the pinnacle of our sport, to New Zealand presents New Zealand Rugby League with an opportunity to not only capitalise on that growth but help to further embed rugby league into the fabric of our communities, inspiring those to come.”
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world in which rugby league is the national sport and has the most passionate fans in the game as well as strong government and corporate support.
“PNGFRL has now hosted a number of International over the last 5-6 years and we have the experiences and the personal to host this event, “said PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina.
“Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture, history and has beautiful scenery, we would love to showcase our beautiful country to the rest of the world.”
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said: “Everyone in Papua New Guinea loves rugby league”.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has the facilities and resources to stage the world’s biggest sporting events and a proven track record for doing so the highest level. South Africa RL president, Dr Frans Erasmus, said the Rugby League World Cup was a chance to put the game on the map in South Africa and across Africa.
“We boast a rich history of staging extraordinary international events, and our aim is to add the prestigious IRL Men’s World Cup to that illustrious list," Dr Erasmus said.
"Rugby league, often referred to here as a sleeping giant, is poised for a transformative moment, with our bid not only capitalising on the growth of the sport in South Africa but also across the continent.
“With the unwavering support of our passionate fans, our world-class facilities and the backing of our dedicated stakeholders, we are confident that South Africa will deliver a truly exceptional IRL World Cup experience, setting a new standard for excellence."
UNITED STATES
The United States is the world’s biggest sports market and has an unrivalled reputation for hosting major events. With a new board and a growing relationship with the NRL, the USARL believe the 2030 World Cup could help take the game to previously unachievable levels in the United States.
“One of our primary strategic objectives is to enhance the visibility and awareness of rugby league throughout the United States,” noted USARL chair Matt Goschnick.
“Bidding for and hosting major sporting events are pivotal as they not only spark interest but also attract critical investment and new partners to the game, all which are needed for sustainable growth.”
Each bid will be assessed in February, followed by a joint announcement of the three hosts.
In other words, it's us or the U.S.
Lets hope the crowds are decent. It doesnt look good when international games are played in front of a few thousand fans. Remember the great Aust vs GB games from the 80's / 90's when crowds were sell outs at Wembley, Mancherster, Leeds ?
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