INTERNATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE
International Rugby League
Governed by the RLIF, (Rugby League International Federation), the international game is generally dominated by Australia, New Zealand and England. In recent years, France have grown to become a strong team. In addition to this, the sport is rapidly growing in other areas across the globe such as Eastern Africa, Serbia and The Netherlands.
International Competitions
There are a number of international competitions between countries and also at club level. Some of the most well known competitions are listed below.
World Cup
The World Cup is the most prestigious international tournament. Similarly to most other sports, it features the strongest teams from around the globe, all competing to win the Paul Barrière Trophy. The inaugural competition took place in 1954, after almost 20 years of the French campaigning to have a World Cup in the sport of Rugby League.
Australia have won the competition 12 times, Great Britain 3 times and New Zealand have won it once. From 2026 the competition is made up of 10 teams, rather than 16 in previous years. The reason for this is because of the RLIF understanding that the sport is not necessarily of the highest quality across the globe. The governing body wishes to ensure that the competition is played at the highest level to provide maximum entertainment.
The Ashes
As with cricket, The Ashes series has been a three match Test series between national Rugby League teams of Australia and Great Britain. It was contested 39 times from 1908 to 2003, alternating between the two countries. Since 1973, Australia has held the record for winning 13 consecutive Ashes series.
On August 3 2023, the International Rugby League declared an unveiling of The Ashes as part of its new international calendar for seven years and its long term strategy to expand the game globally. For the first time ever, it will include women’s test matches too with the first edition scheduled to take place in 2025.
The World Club Challenge
This annual tournament is generally a held at pre-season before the start of both Super League and the NRL. The current title holders of the Super League will play the title holders of the NRL, in hope of winning the trophy. Not only that, but it's an intense rivalry between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Read more about it's history here.