Countdown begins for RLWC 2017

The countdown to the Rugby League World Cup 2017 has begun, with the tournament organisers officially starting the clock with the launch of a new logo and website.

The tournament is set to take place in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and will feature 14 teams.

Ten of those teams have already qualified, with New Zealand, Australia, England, France, Samoa, Fiji, Scotland, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and Lebanon having booked their places.

The remaining four places will be decided over the next year or so, with the USA hosting a three-way qualifying tournament which features Canada and Jamaica in December.

Wales, Ireland, Serbia, Russia, Italy and Spain will play off next October and November for the final three places.

“Rugby league has never been stronger here and around the world, with more people watching and playing the game than ever before,” says RLWC2017 chief executive Michael Brown.

“We want the Rugby League World Cup to be a great celebration – not just for the players, but we want to celebrate the diversity of the countries and cultures playing the game.

“It is important we give fans of all the nations playing the Rugby League World Cup the opportunity to be part of a great experience and we want them to bring their culture, their heritage and their passion to the games.

“The logo we have revealed today not only represents the diversity of the hosting partners – Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea – but it also represents the speed and movement of the game.

“The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle event on the international calendar and I know players are passionate about representing their country on the world stage.”