White Rabbits! It's another new calendar!

In my daily scrolling through rugby league news, I noticed a story about a new 10-year international calendar coming into force. Initially, I scrolled straight past it. A story that we have seen so many times before which has never come to fruition. Subconsciously, I did not even think worth the effort of reading about it.

Obviously, I did later read the story, or I wouldn't be writing this blog post and you wouldn't be reading it! IRL Chairman Troy Grant has told the press: "That has been an Achilles heel of the IRL for a long time, to not have that clarity about when competitions are played."

Well, to pivot to a positive note, there is at least a realisation of the problem. The far more thornier issue is how to solve it.

There is talk once more, after a 2020 postponement, that an Ashes tour will take place in 2023. I resent rugby league using the term 'Ashes'. The real Ashes is called that for a historic and specific reason. For us to pillage the name and use it for our sport makes us seem cheap and second-class. 

Aside from the semantics, a Lions or Kangaroo Tour would be most welcome. The fact that a tour has not occurred for 20 years would surely lead to greater interest. Variety is the key to a vibrant international calendar. There are room for tours, there is room for tri or four nations tournaments, but one does not need to come at the expense of another. 

It is an exciting time for the international game. The emergence of Tonga as a serious international force is a huge fillip to the sport. No longer are we in a position where at least one side to make a World Cup semi finals are mere cannon fodder. 

And it isn't just Tonga. Their pacific rivals Samoa are developing an impressive side too. England's opening World Cup game at St James' Park in Newcastle against Samoa will not be a procession, and a win of any form would be a satisfactory start.

Despite many internationalists bashing the NRL for their apparent lack of commitment to the international game, their work in developing the game more widely has been positive. Far more so than in England, who play other sides in the northern hemisphere infrequently, stunting any development.

Eyes to 2025

Troy Grant, IRL Chairman, has also indicated that France may host the 2025 World Cup. Those with longer memories may recall that it was supposed to be the USA who would host, before plans collapsed.

In modern times, World Cups have been hosted by England or Australia on an interchangeable basis. For us to take the next step, we need to step out of our comfort zone.

Would France hosting the whole tournament be a risk? Yes. An enormous one. An expensive, loss-making flop cannot be ruled out. If it can happen in England where the sport is larger (as it did in 2000), it can easily happen in France.

The mooted option of France as a co-host or primary host (maybe with some other European nations hosting 'home' matches) would be a less risky option. Potentially, it would be the safer option.

The riskier option still, you may argue, would be to do the same as we have always done. To concern ourselves with a fear of failure would ensure that we stand still. Sometimes you must be brave enough to take a leap of faith.

In 2009, Japan were confirmed as hosts of the 2019 Rugby Union World Cup. At that time, Japan has not won a single World Cup match since 1991 (a record that remained until the 2015 tournament).

Since then, Japan have defeated South Africa, Italy, Ireland and Scotland, all of whom are considered 'Tier 1' nations. They went on to host an incredibly successful and profitable World Cup, with a substantial economic boost to the country as a whole.

A False Dawn?

When it comes to the international game, we have heard a lot of talk before. Talk of big ambition, new World Cup hosts, a consistent calendar and one set of laws for the game. All of this has never materialised.

IRL chief Troy Grant is making all of the right noises. He seems to realise the importance of growth and that, especially when it comes to the Pacific nations, we have an opportunity that we cannot waste.

As always, actions speak louder. Will this finally be the time that we take a chance, grasp the nettle and grow the game? Or another false dawn? Time will tell...