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The Four Nations kicks off this Saturday, October 25th at Suncorp Stadium Brisbane, and will be contested between Australia, England, New Zealand and Samoa.
The fourth tournament of its kind will be held in Australia and New Zealand, concluding with the final on November 15th at Westpac Stadium, Wellington.
The Four Nations is a testament to ongoing attempts to grow the game beyond its localised pockets of popularity or heartlands. However outside Australia, New Zealand and England, there are a number of other areas where the game has become increasingly popular.
2014 has been a year of growth for rugby league, with 42 international matches being played so far involving Denmark, Ghana, Serbia, Sweden, Thailand, Russia, the United States and more. These are countries one may not expect to find rugby league in at all, much less national teams.
The 31st European Cup is currently being decided between Ireland, Scotland, France and Wales, with the winner qualifying for the 2016 European Cup and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
There is even a presence as far as the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan, who as recently as April 2013 played a match in the Dubai Sport City Complex.
While progress is being made to establish rugby league as a credible international sport, the vast differences in funds for development across countries is indicative to its challenges for further growth. Australia, New Zealand and England enjoy a far greater depth and quality of talent than other countries due to their various domestic competitions, youth development programs and overall wider exposure through television broadcasting deals.
Australia, home to the biggest rugby league competition in the world, the National Rugby League, has dominated the international scene for the past 42 years. While New Zealand claimed the Rugby League World Cup in 2008, not since 1972 have Great Britain held an international trophy.
France, who are ranked fourth overall by the Rugby League International Federation, have yet to reach a World Cup final – such is the utter domination of Australia and New Zealand.
Despite all this, or perhaps because of it, the desire to evolve rugby league internationally remains strong, and the results are there. Take just last year for example.
The United States’ Tomahawks debut in their first World Cup led to a quarter final appearance. This was a team consisting of players from semi-professional teams as well as ex-baseball and basketball players.
They overcame Scotland, Wales and the Cook Islands as well as France, before finally being defeated by the Kangaroos. All this without being paid a cent.
With significant hurdles still to overcome, rugby league continues to press onwards. The Four Nations sides will be looking to showcase the best the sport has to offer this Saturday, and possibly shake the status quo for the first time in decades.
October 25th
England Vs. Samoa 5:00pm (GMT + 10) Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia.
Australia Vs. New Zealand 7:30pm (GMT + 10) Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia.
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