League: Intrigue for fans among future plans

The face of international league is set to change significantly after the next World Cup. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A World Cup of nines, a Six Nations tournament and a return to the battle for the Ashes between the Kangaroos and the Lions. Welcome to the future, league fans.

The face of international league is set to change significantly after the next World Cup, if the plans of the Rugby League International Federation come to fruition.

The RLIF announced the broad details of their proposed international calendar for 2018-2025 yesterday, the most significant move by the code since regular quadrennial World Cups were established.

The new calendar features the restoration of Kangaroos tours to the Northern Hemisphere, and visits by the Lions to Australia and New Zealand.

The Anzac test - as previously signalled - is on its way out, with almost all test football to be staged after the NRL and Super League seasons have concluded.

The programme for most of the eight-year cycle is set, but intrigue remains over what will happen in 2019 and 2023.

Nothing has been confirmed yet but the Herald on Sunday understands that a World Cup of nines is one option that has been discussed.

Another possibility is a Six Nations tournament, which could include the top four-ranked countries as well as two continental champions. This would be a great fillip for the game but seems less likely. It's understood Australia are reluctant to see mini World Cups between the main event.

So New Zealand are likely to play more tests and, rather than arrange them on the fly, they will be locked in from years out. It's likely the Kiwis will still play Australia at least once a year, but the relationship with England will continue to develop off the back of this series which has been a huge success on and off the field.

"The world changes in 2018," said NZRL chief executive Phil Holden. "This plan will allow international football to flourish and could be a game-changer."

Holden hopes the new calendar will see the Kiwis locked in for four tests per year, outside World Cup years.

"We made no secret of the fact we want the Kiwis to play more, especially at home," said Holden. "This calendar looks like a big step in the right direction."

Possible calendar

2018: Kangaroos tour England, Kiwis v Samoa/Tonga and Australia.
2019: International tournament (details to be confirmed).
2020: England series against New Zealand. Australia play one test against New Zealand.
2021: World Cup
2022: Great Britain Lions tour New Zealand and Australia.
2023: International tournament (details to be confirmed).
2024: England series against New Zealand. Australia play one test.
2025: World Cup.

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