LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Papua New Guinea, France, and Wales have been named as priority nations for International Rugby League, with one country in Africa to be selected later this year.
These nations will receive significant funding to support national strategies developed with their national federations.
The IRL Board has chosen these four nations to focus resources, with the possibility of adding more in the future.
Papua New Guinea, France, and Wales are all historically important rugby league nations with strong rugby league cultures and strategic advantages.
"Papua New Guinea, France, and Wales are historically important rugby league nations, each with several thousand local participants, pathways into the elite game, strong rugby league cultures and have strategic advantages in their own right."
Papua New Guinea is set to receive a massive investment from the Australian Government, and a Port Moresby-based team will join the NRL in 2028.
Wales has a semi-professional club population and, along with France, is seen as the most likely to reach a competitive level with England.
These nations are seen as beacons of excellence and enthusiasm in the world of rugby league.
Overall, the focus on these priority nations demonstrates a commitment to developing and supporting rugby league in regions with strong traditions and potential for growth.
The partnerships between the IRL and the national federations will help create bespoke strategies to further develop the sport in these countries.
This targeted approach aims to maximize the impact of resources and support the growth of rugby league on a global scale.