Russia to Join Rugby League's International Federation
Russia is set to become the 11th full member of Rugby League's International Federation.
The Federation's Executive Committee met at the Rugby Football League's Red Hall headquarters in Leeds today (Thursday) and agreed to recommend to the next full meeting of the Federation in February to accept the Russian membership.
John McDonald, the chairman of the International Federation, said: 'The Russians have made great strides with their game in the last few years and we're happy to back their nomination to the other members of the Federation.'
And to oversee their development along with the co-ordination of the other programmes in the rest of Europe, the Federation Executive have agreed to the formation of a European Federation of Nations.
'Quite clearly the power of the British and French Leagues will be important as we seek to make this umbrella organisation work effectively and they will be supported by Rugby League's global development officer Tas Batieri who is based in Australia.'
The Federation is also to institute a development programme for international quality referees.
'The Australian and British Leagues will undoubtedly provide the bedrock for this programme,' said the chairman.
'It is important for the whole sport that we train and develop more referees to be capable over controlling Test matches at the highest level.'
'We see this as a very positive development of the sport at an international level.'
The Federation also discussed the current Australian tour of the United Kingdom.
Mr McDonald said: 'In spite of the initial problems caused by the world situation following the events in New York on September 11 this three-match Test series between the Lions and Kangaroos has proved to be a great success for Rugby League and certainly revives the international game.
'It looks as though the third and deciding Guinness Test in Wigan on Saturday will produce a record crowd for the JJB Stadium and the series has been superbly organised by the Rugby Football League.'
Further talks about a one-off Test between Australia and Great Britain in Sydney, Australia on July 12 next year were conducted and Mr McDonald added: 'There looks to be encouraging signs that thus match will go ahead as planned.
'This together with yet more progress on the international fixture programme is likely to be on the agenda at the next scheduled International Federation meeting in February next year in Australia.
For more details contact:
John Huxley
Media & Public Affairs Executive
Rugby Football League
Tel: 0113 237 5020
The Federation's Executive Committee met at the Rugby Football League's Red Hall headquarters in Leeds today (Thursday) and agreed to recommend to the next full meeting of the Federation in February to accept the Russian membership.
John McDonald, the chairman of the International Federation, said: 'The Russians have made great strides with their game in the last few years and we're happy to back their nomination to the other members of the Federation.'
And to oversee their development along with the co-ordination of the other programmes in the rest of Europe, the Federation Executive have agreed to the formation of a European Federation of Nations.
'Quite clearly the power of the British and French Leagues will be important as we seek to make this umbrella organisation work effectively and they will be supported by Rugby League's global development officer Tas Batieri who is based in Australia.'
The Federation is also to institute a development programme for international quality referees.
'The Australian and British Leagues will undoubtedly provide the bedrock for this programme,' said the chairman.
'It is important for the whole sport that we train and develop more referees to be capable over controlling Test matches at the highest level.'
'We see this as a very positive development of the sport at an international level.'
The Federation also discussed the current Australian tour of the United Kingdom.
Mr McDonald said: 'In spite of the initial problems caused by the world situation following the events in New York on September 11 this three-match Test series between the Lions and Kangaroos has proved to be a great success for Rugby League and certainly revives the international game.
'It looks as though the third and deciding Guinness Test in Wigan on Saturday will produce a record crowd for the JJB Stadium and the series has been superbly organised by the Rugby Football League.'
Further talks about a one-off Test between Australia and Great Britain in Sydney, Australia on July 12 next year were conducted and Mr McDonald added: 'There looks to be encouraging signs that thus match will go ahead as planned.
'This together with yet more progress on the international fixture programme is likely to be on the agenda at the next scheduled International Federation meeting in February next year in Australia.
For more details contact:
John Huxley
Media & Public Affairs Executive
Rugby Football League
Tel: 0113 237 5020