
The chair of International Rugby League has spoken on the sport’s firm plans for the next five years yet no Ashes dates have been confirmed.
For years, it has been argued that rugby league at the international level has been neglected with the self-interest of those Down Under deemed to strangle the very pinnacle of the game.
Much of that belief hails from the view that State of Origin is seen as the pinnacle of the sport by many in the NRL meaning international rugby league has often been neglected.
However, there is now a far brighter road map for the sport at an international level and that has been outlined once again by the chairman of International Rugby League, Troy Grant.
Grant has spoken recently on the calendar through 2030 which is when the men’s World Cup will be held – an event that could push new boundaries given that two African nations have bid to host the tournament.
Kenya, South Africa, USA, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand are all bidding to hold that tournament which serves to highlight the broad array of nations that the sport is now played in.
International Rugby League striding forward but Ashes questions remain
Despite there not being a major international tournament such as a World Cup in 2024, the past year marked the most international matches ever played and Grant has spoken on the current state of international rugby league before pointing to a better future.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the thousands of volunteers worldwide that make the playing of rugby league possible globally,” he said, per The Daily Telegraph.
“The board are united and working well with amazing contributions from Peter V’landys on the back of the NRL’s brilliant Vegas initiative giving international rugby league the breath of fresh air it needed after it lost its way.”
An international between England’s and Australia’s women’s sides will take place in Las Vegas – giving the Women’s sport a huge platform that will hopefully be built upon in 2026 and 2028 at the next two Women’s World Cups.
Asserting the planned-out nature of the sport, Grant noted: “There’s no more mickey mouse stuff occurring or ad hoc fixtures occurring.
“All aspects of the game are improving player welfare and professionalism from nations is giving clubs more confidence. Better communication and a clearer calendar has also helped.
“There’s always more to do and more to improve but it’s tracking nicely a far cry from five years ago when quite frankly three new independent directors walked into a tuck shop operation.”
Whilst that is overwhelmingly positive, the fact that this year’s upcoming Ashes series has no official confirmation in terms of dates or venues is still a major concern, particularly now we’re less than 10 months from the end of the domestic season – the time at which international rugby league fixtures are scheduled for.
