Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:52 pm
I got this email this afternoon from a man in the know,As far as i am aware there is no European or pacific Cup next year for two reasons:1. as there is no 4 Nations in 2012, this is a "rest year" for the Aussies and Kiwis apparently.2. and most importantly - WORLD CUP qualifiers are starting, so we will be seeing the start of the lower tier teams competing for places to come into the WC. There are 8 teams that are trying to qualify for 2 spots to join the 12 teams already in there. The European and Pacific Cup cycle will start in 2014 once again. Though its good seeing these tournaments I feel myself the structure is wrong and still does not do enough to promote the game. As for Lebanon, they are trying to forge the Middle East and North Africa as a separate entity and so are trying to compete and have championships for that region.