Wales named as ‘priority nation’ by rugby league’s world governing body

Wales has been identified as a ‘priority nation’ by rugby league’s world governing body – with the aim of making the national team more competitive.

Wales Rugby League (WRL), which oversees the sport in Wales, will receive funding from the International Rugby League (IRL).

This will go towards developing a national strategy to boost the sport in Wales, and create a team that can eventually compete with England.

France, Papua New Guinea, and a yet-to-be-announced African country have also been named as priority nations by the IRL, and will also receive funding.

In making the announcement, the IRL noted that Wales, alongside other selected nations, is a historically important rugby league nation with a strong rugby league culture.

WRL chairman James Davies described the priority nation status as “a real honour” and said: “We’ve got a proud history in the sport – from beating New Zealand in our first-ever international in 1908 – and we’re building a bold future.

“All of our programmes are growing year on year, with clear pathways into the international game. We know the talent is here, our legends have proved that, and now it’s about unlocking the next generation.”

Mr Davies pointed to both Wales’ men’s and women’s wheelchair sides qualifying for their respective world cups next year, and continued: “With our junior boys’ pathway, led by head of youth Paul Berry and performance director Clive Griffiths, we’re firmly focused on being World Cup ready by 2030.

“Already, over 40 players within our system are involved with Super League clubs – clear evidence that our development model is working.”

He added: “We’ve brought together a dynamic new board, headed by our CEO Richard Hibbard – a former Wales and British and Irish Lions international – blending business acumen with elite-level sporting experience.

“While our ambitions are high, everything is built on the strength of our community game. That’s our foundation and our future.”