Rugby League World Cup to expand 24/02/2010 |
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The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has supported plans to expand the World Cup to include 14 teams from 2013.
Only 10 teams contested the last tournament in Australia in 2008 but strong attendances and a large worldwide television audience have convinced the authorities of the sport’s growing popularity.
The number of teams taking part in the World Cup was reduced after a 16-team event in 2000 made a financial loss.
Twelve teams will be automatically entered for the 2013 World Cup, to be held in the UK, with two qualifying.
The 2008 event in Australia attracted combined crowds of 290,000 and a global television audience of 19.2 million, making it the most widely broadcast event in the sport's history.
RLIF chairman Colin Love said: “We are delighted to have ratified this proposal for a 14-nation Rugby League World Cup, which was unanimously supported by RLIF delegates.
"This year will see the Four Nations in Australia and New Zealand build on the success of the 2008 World Cup and 2009 Four Nations, and going forward I am confident that in 2013 we will see a tournament that will successfully showcase international rugby league to a worldwide audience.
"The format reflects rugby league's increased participation around the world and provides a wonderful opportunity for the finest athletes in any sport to prove themselves on the greatest stage of all."
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