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.

Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Thu Oct 28, 2010 6:49 am  

Catalancs wrote:

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.

Shame its not on next year when some momentum could have been achieved. For Heritage dependent countries like Ireland its vital to have a home international every year especially when its played outside of the RU closed season summer domestic competition months.

Lebanon really have got the international & domestic development bug, hope it pays off long term.

Would have been good if the World Cup qualification format made sure that every continent was represented. That format for 2013 doesnt look promising on that front.

Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:44 pm  

woolie wrote:

Would have been good if the World Cup qualification format made sure that every continent was represented. That format for 2013 doesnt look promising on that front.

Europe and Australasia will be represented. I can only think of Japan and South Africa who play rugby league to any level in Asia and Africa respectively. To ensure as many continents were represented would mean awarding those tweo countries automatic entry, something that would be a disaster for all concerned. That leaves North America and South America. Canada, Jamaica and the United States will be amongst the teams competing for a World Cup place. If they don't qualify then it's a case of must try harder next time.

Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:53 pm  

Had to check this to make sure I was right.

Asia: Lebanon, Japan (Not strong enough), Russia is classified as both Europe & Asia.

Africa: Morocco, South Africa(Not Strong enough)

Just leaves America basically would be either USA or Jamaca.

Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Thu Oct 28, 2010 1:54 pm  

Lebanon! So rugby league strengthens its foothold amongst our Asian friends

Re: Alitalia European Cup - Ireland : Fri Oct 29, 2010 9:47 am  

So the five continents could be represented in 2013 if the RFL etc wanted to claim the World Cup was just that:

Realistically would be:

Asia: Lebanon
Africa: Morocco
America: Either Jamaca or USA