The Rugby League World Cup – Who Is In It?

In the days before Super League (mid 1990s) the Rugby League World Cup was mocked for only including teams from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France.

New national teams have since stepped up to the challenge, most notably Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.  Tonga and Samoa in particular are expected to give the traditional teams a very big shake at this year’s tournament.

So, who else is in this World Cup?  Let’s start with Lebanon.  After playing at the 2000 World Cup, Lebanon have kept up their test schedule, and have now played over 50 test matches.  They hold four wins over France and two over Fiji.

Scotland and Wales have separate teams to England in this year’s tournament.  Wales played in the World Series in 1977, and Scotland were thumped by Australia in the 2016 Four Nations competition.  Ireland also felt the wrath of the Australians at the 2013 World Cup, but have managed plenty of wins against Scotland, Wales and Italy.  The Irish have now played 70 test matches, and are currently ranked twelfth in the world.  They are yet to face New Zealand.

Jamaica are newcomers to the World Cup, and will be bolstered by the inclusion of Dominic Young, who is now playing for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL.  Jamaica defeated Canada and the USA to qualify for the World Cup.  Their only test wins outside of America to date are victories over South Africa in 2011 and Ireland in 2016.

Cook Islands played in the recent Pacific rep round, and have a gun fullback in Kayal Iro.  They have the opportunity to add a number of NRL players to their squad.  Cook Islands have played 65 tests now, and hold five wins over Fiji to their credit.

In 1979, Canterbury hooker George Peponis was the first Greek Australian to captain the Kangaroos.  In 2003, the Greece Rugby League was formed, and played their first test against New Caledonia that year.  Greece has a 68% winning record, but has yet to play any of the top international teams.

Italy would love to have former representatives James Tedesco, Paul Vaughan or Anthony Minichiello at this year’s World Cup.  Italy have now played over 60 test matches, and hold two wins over Wales to their credit.

There are sixteen nations competing at this year’s World Cup.  It is an opportunity for rugby league to prove it is a truly international game.  With 48 nations now ranked by the International Rugby League, we can expect more teams from Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East to become competitors at future World Cups.

But until then, let’s enjoy this year’s tournament.  It’s sure to be a cracker.