Wales Rugby League Comes of Age

The perennial argument over the lack a rugby league Great Britain team is usually answered by potential, what wills and maybes. The Rugby Football League's perspective is the need to see non-English rugby league develop in both playing terms and governance of the game. Already the Rugby League European Federation is showing significant signs of developing into a genuine governing body, putting the Rugby League International Federation, supposedly the global governing body, to shame.

Now the Welsh Rugby League, secure in it's new Caerphilly base, has made a significant step forward and seriously put a dent in the Great Britain cause, at least for home games. Qualifying for the Four Nations has taken care of the playing side but the impact in other matters may more than match that achievement.

The WRL reports the securing of "a number of lucrative long term sponsorships over the next three years which has substantially increased the amount of revenue coming into the governing body. These sponsors will be announced over the coming months in the run up to the Four Nations." When factored in with the joint hosting of the Rugby League World Cup 2013 it is clear the development and growth of rugby league in non-heartland areas is entering somewhat of a golden age.

Rugby League Four Nations 2011 Venues Set at Last

After much toing and indeed froing the Rugby Football League have managed to secure agreement to stage the entire second round of the Four Nations 2011 at Wembley. They've even managed to set the dates and venues of the other rounds at less salubrious surroundings.

The RFL have taken a calculated risk in hiring the 90,000 capacity stadium in London, traditional venue of the Challenge Cup Final, but have made a seemingly good start. Until July 22nd tickets behind the sticks are available for a tenner to all and sundry. Initial reaction from fans suggests this is succeeding in attracting casual fans and friends of fans.

So despite a seeming blasé approach to promoting the international calendar for this year the RFL seemed to have pulled this one out of the bag with a brave decision backed up by a more cautious to the other fixtures. With the Rugby League World Cup due to be staged in England and Wales in 2013 this tournament is a crucial sign of how venues will be set. With bids from places as far south as Bristol the turn out this year at Wembley will be crucial.

For myself: ten pound ticket happily purchased on the first available opportunity and going by the online queue I clearly wasn't the only one. It's all up to the fans now.

Full schedule and further information

http://www.suite101.com/content/rugby-league-four-nations-2011-preview-a324310

http://www.suite101.com/content/rugby-league-world-cup-2013-a143416