Latest News European Cup details revealed
| European Cup details revealed |
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| Monday, 09 March 2009 03:18 |
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The Rugby League European Federation has announced details of their 2009 international programme following a meeting of its Full and Associate members in Leeds. The re-named European Cup showcases six nations who either participated in the 2008 World Cup or took part in the qualifiers for it, some of the profits of which will help stage the tournament.
Group One will feature Lebanon, Russia and Scotland while Ireland, Serbia and Wales will compete in Group Two. In a departure from previous years, there will be a ‘Finals Day’ to climax the Cup, which will be held at Brewery Field, Bridgend on Sunday 8th November at which the respective sides finishing third, second and top of their groups will meet. Those matches will not only determine the ultimate champions but will also provide rankings for 2010 when France will enter the European Cup, the eventual winners that year then taking part in the 2011 Four Nations tournament; together with England, Australia and New Zealand. Commenting on this year’s scheduled fixtures, RLEF Development Executive Kevin Rudd said, “The European Cup is moving forward as a brand and as an even more meaningful part of the representative calendar.” “Every nation is now guaranteed three international games as a minimum during the season and the Finals Day is set to be a real highlight of the year with six sides on show and seedings up for grabs.” Fixtures have also been confirmed for this summer’s European Shield and European Bowl clashes. The Shield will be contested by three nations that are aiming to have their first domestic competitions taking in place during 2009. On the 4th July the Czech Republic will host Germany – both countries having just had part time development officers appointed by the RLEF. Holders Italy face the Czech’s and week later and the Italians, who are also hoping to appoint a development officer in the near future, then travel to Germany on 18th July . In the Bowl, Estonia are at home to Ukraine on 26th July with the Ukrainians then moving on to face Latvia on the 28th. Latvia and Estonia will meet on the 8th August. Last year's competition was beset with visa problems which the respective Federations are working hard to overcome this time round. It was also confirmed at the meeting that Serbia will host an under 16’s International Tournament in August. Elections to the RLEF Board were ratified with Richard Lewis retaining the Chair and Nicolas Larrat reconfirmed as his Deputy. Joining them are Jean Alain Rives and Gary Tasker. Gary Tasker, RFL Director of Development commented, “We are exploring all available opportunities to raise the profile of our sport across Europe”. “There is now an appetite for more and more teams to experience Rugby League abroad and we are looking to maximise these available opportunities". “The student and combined services activity will also be linked in to a greater extent as we build on the enhanced framework put down in recent years which will result in an even stronger competition structure leading to the 2013 World Cup.” “We are making steady progress on a number of fronts and putting together teams of people and structures to have an even greater impact continent-wide” added Rudd. “We are in close consultation with the International Federation with the aim of having a defined representative calendar in place worldwide for the next five years and beyond, at every level and category of the sport.” RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN CUP SCHEDULE - Round 2 Round 3 Sunday 01/11/09 FINALS DAY: |