How England’s rugby league bosses plan to avoid repeat of World Cup pain
The Rugby Football League (RFL) has begun work on a plan to strengthen English rugby league after both the men’s and women’s teams exited the World Cup in the group stage. The governing body says the results are not good enough, despite acknowledging factors such as travel, competition format and injuries, and wants to improve the pathway from grassroots participation to international level.
A panel including former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe, retiring England women’s captain Jodie Cunningham and Adrian Morley will contribute to the work, building on the RFL’s One Game, One England scheme. The review will consider player development, media rights and attracting audiences. England’s men won two of three group matches and had a points difference of +86, while the women’s squad averaged 21 and included 11 graduates of a development programme; they beat Wales 70-6 but lost to Australia 78-0 and Samoa 24-6.
In short
- The RFL is planning changes after both England teams left the World Cup in the group stage.
- A review will cover player pathways, media rights and reaching new audiences.
- England’s women’s young squad included 11 graduates of its development programme.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A review is justified because both England teams’ group-stage exits point to a gap between domestic development and success against leading international sides. Examining grassroots pathways, media rights and audience growth could help the RFL identify lasting improvements, while drawing on experienced former and current players may keep the work grounded in the game.
The case against
A broad review may overstate what the governing body can fix: tournament format, travel, injuries and the strength of opponents also shaped the results. The women’s team already included many graduates of a development programme, so expanding schemes or changing pathways may not address the immediate causes; the RFL should first establish what the evidence says before committing to a wider plan.
Explained simply
The Rugby Football League (RFL) is the body that governs rugby league in England, from local participation to the national teams. Its One Game, One England scheme aims to connect and strengthen the sport across the country.
The men’s and women’s teams represent England in international tournaments, while former players and team captains can help shape how the sport develops. The RFL’s work covers the route from grassroots clubs and player development to the audiences who watch the game.
Rugby league depends on a broad pool of players and public interest to sustain its clubs and national teams. Changes to development, media coverage and audience-building could affect how many people take part in and follow the sport.