Rugby League World Cup

Origins and Early History

The Rugby League World Cup was first staged in France in 1954, making it one of the oldest international competitions in world sport. Only four nations contested that initial tournament — Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and France — yet it established a framework for international rivalry that has endured for seven decades. The early editions rotated irregularly between the four founding nations, with scheduling inconsistencies reflecting the sport’s sometimes fractured governance. Nevertheless, the World Cup gave rugby league something its union counterpart would not possess until 1987: a genuine global championship.

Australian Dominance

No nation has shaped the history of the Rugby League World Cup more profoundly than Australia. The Kangaroos have won the tournament on twelve occasions, a record of dominance unmatched in virtually any international team sport. Their depth of talent, drawn from the NRL — widely considered the strongest domestic rugby league competition in the world — has made them formidable opponents in every era. Great Britain (and latterly England) have been the most consistent challengers from the Northern Hemisphere, while New Zealand’s Kiwis claimed a memorable victory in 2008, breaking a prolonged Australian stranglehold.

Australia’s supremacy has at times raised questions about the competitive balance of the tournament. Yet the gap has narrowed appreciably in recent cycles, particularly as Pacific Island nations have emerged as genuine contenders, altering the dynamics of international rugby league.

The 2021 Tournament in England

Originally scheduled for 2021 but postponed by a year due to the withdrawal of Australia and New Zealand over pandemic-related concerns, the tournament was eventually held across England in late 2022. Sixteen men’s teams competed, alongside parallel women’s and wheelchair tournaments — a first for the competition. Matches were played at grounds including Old Trafford, the Emirates Stadium, Coventry Building Society Arena, and a host of rugby league heartland venues in the north of England.

Australia ultimately prevailed, defeating Samoa in a fiercely competitive final at Old Trafford. Samoa’s run to the final was the story of the tournament, with the Pacific Islanders defeating England in the semi-finals — a result that sent shockwaves through the sport and confirmed the shifting power base of international rugby league. Tonga also impressed, continuing a resurgence that began with their remarkable performances at the 2017 World Cup.

The Rise of Pacific Island Nations

Perhaps the most significant development in international rugby league over the past decade has been the emergence of Tonga, Samoa, and Papua New Guinea as competitive forces. Tonga’s decision to field a squad of NRL-calibre players of Tongan heritage transformed them from minnows to genuine contenders almost overnight. Their 2017 World Cup campaign, during which they defeated New Zealand, captured imaginations across the rugby league world. Samoa’s 2022 final appearance confirmed that this was not a one-off phenomenon but a structural shift in the sport’s international landscape.

Papua New Guinea, where rugby league is the national sport, continues to develop, and the broader Pacific region represents the sport’s most promising growth area. The challenge for the International Rugby League is to ensure that these nations receive the investment and governance support needed to sustain their competitiveness beyond individual tournaments.

Future Tournaments

The next Rugby League World Cup is scheduled for 2026, with France named as hosts. The tournament presents an opportunity to grow the sport on the European continent, building on the legacy of Catalans Dragons’ success in Super League and France’s historical connection to the sport. An expanded format is anticipated, reflecting the growing number of nations capable of competing at the highest level.

Where to Watch

World Cup broadcasting arrangements vary by tournament. The 2021 edition was shown on the BBC in the UK, ensuring free-to-air access. Future broadcast details will be confirmed closer to each tournament. For current rugby league TV coverage including Super League and the Challenge Cup, see our UK rugby TV schedule. To explore the sport’s international rankings, visit our IRL World Rankings page.