 Fiji and France could be taking on the Tri-Nations sides
|
The Tri-Nations tournament featuring England, Australia and New Zealand will become a four-nation competition from next year, it has been revealed.
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) says an extra team will take part on a rotating basis, with France being first to benefit.
At the same time Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea will compete in a Pacific Nations Cup.
The winners will enter the 2010 Four Nations, in the southern hemisphere.
 |
606: DEBATE
JulianS
|
The changes to the international calendar have come about as the result of the current World Cup in Australia making a projected surplus of A$5m (£2.1m). The intention is to raise the standard of the game worldwide before the 2013 World Cup, which is expected to be hosted in Great Britain.
"The goal of this tournament was to re-establish the World Cup as a viable event in its own right and to raise funds to support the international game," said Love.
"What I'm keen to do is make sure that the international game maximises the revenue that it can earn from this event."
A total of 243,349 fans, at an average of more than 14,300 per game, have attended the 2008 World Cup, which comes to a climax on Saturday when the final takes place at Lang Park in Brisbane between Australia and New Zealand.
International tournament schedule 2009-2013:
Oct-Nov 2009: Four Nations series in the northern hemisphere featuring England, New Zealand, Australia and France.
South Pacific Cup with the winner gaining entry into the 2010 Four Nations.
Oct-Nov 2010: Four Nations series in southern hemisphere featuring Australia, New Zealand, England and the winner of the 2009 South Pacific Cup.
European nations to contest qualifying series to determine who will join the 2011 Four Nations.
Oct-Nov 2011: Four Nations in northern hemisphere.
South Pacific Cup (no guarantee of Four-Nations berth)
2013: World Cup (venue and dates to be confirmed).
No comments:
Post a Comment