How England's rugby league bosses plan to avoid repeat of World Cup pain
Summary
England’s men and women both exited the Rugby League World Cup in the group stage, prompting the Rugby Football League to begin a review of the English game. The review will examine player development, domestic competitions and media rights as the RFL seeks to improve England’s future international performance.Key Facts
- England’s men won two of three group matches and finished with a points difference of +86, but did not reach the knockout stage.
- The men’s exit was confirmed after Tonga beat Samoa 20-18.
- The RFL announced a plan to assess the future of the English game, building on work launched earlier under its One Game, One England scheme.
- Former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe, retiring England women’s captain Jodie Cunningham and Adrian Morley are among those helping develop the plan.
- RFL chief executive Ian Nolan said the review will cover player development, media rights, audience growth and the balance between reach and revenue.
- Nolan said England’s travel schedule and the tournament format were mitigating factors, but should not be used as excuses for the results.
- England’s women compete in a domestic league that is effectively amateur, while their World Cup opponents from Australia play professionally.
- Eleven members of England’s young women’s squad came through the Diploma in Sporting Excellence programme; the squad’s average age was 21.
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