NEWS RELEASE
>
>
>
> For immediate
> release
> Sunday 25th
> September 2005
>
>
>
> RugbyLeague's 2005 European Nations Cup format confirmed
>
>
>
> The format and fixture schedule of the 2005Rugby League European
> Nations Cup has been confirmed.
>
>
>
> The six nation tournament will
> involveFrance,Ireland,Scotland,Wales,Russiaand new entrant Georgia
> competing in two groups of three.
>
>
>
> Itis being staged by the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) in
> partnership with the Rugby League governing bodies of the nations
> hosting fixtures in this year’s event.
>
>
>
> In a new development for Rugby League,Georgiawill make their debut in
> the tournament withEnglandnow having a revised autumn fixture > schedule.
>
>
>
> Georgia’s entry follows a monitoring process during which the
> performance of their national team was assessed in fixtures
> againstSerbiaandHolland.
>
>
>
> The final of the tournament - which is now in its third year - will
> take place in Carcasonne inFranceon Saturday 5th November.
>
>
>
> Commenting on the announcement, the Tournament Director Graeme
> Thompson said: “We believe the 2005 European Nations Cup will be a
> competitive and exciting tournament and will also assist with the
> continued development of the sport inEurope.
>
>
>
> “The tournament is being staged for the third consecutive season and -
> in line with the RLEF’s strategy - is continuing to develop year on
> year”.
>
>
>
> “By includingGeorgiafor the first time, the RLEF are demonstrating
> that opportunities exist for other European Rugby League playing
> nations and this will further help to stimulate and sustain the sport
> across the continent”.
>
>
>
> Thompson added: “By staging the final inFrancewe are also breaking new
> ground and providing an opportunity for another nation to benefit from
> hosting such a prestigious event”.
>
>
>
> The 2005 European Nations Cup tournament
>
>
>
> Group 1 Group 2
>
> IrelandFrance
>
> ScotlandGeorgia
>
> WalesRussia
>
>
>
>
>
> WEEK 1
>
> Saturday 15th OctoberFrancevRussia–Arlesko5pm(local
> time)
>
> Sunday 16th OctoberWalesvScotland– Brewery Field,
> Bridgend ko3pm
>
>
>
> WEEK 2
>
> Sunday 23rd OctoberRussiavGeorgia - Luzniki
> Stadium,Moscowko3pm
>
> Sunday 23rd OctoberScotlandvIreland– Glasgow Hawks
> RFC ko2.30pm
>
>
>
> WEEK 3
>
> Saturday 29th OctoberIrelandv Wales – Terenure College
> RFC,Dublinko3pm
>
> Sunday 30th OctoberGeorgiavFrance - National
> Stadium,Tbilisiko7pm(local time)
>
>
>
> WEEK 4
>
> Saturday 5th November European Nations Cup Final,
> Carcasonne, ko tbc
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Issued by the Rugby Football League Media Department
> Sovereign House
> South Parade
> Leeds
> LS1 5QL.
> Tel: 0113 244 1114.
> Fax: 0113 244 1110.
> E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
>
>
>
> Andrew Whitelam
> Media Manager
> The Rugby Football League
> Tel: (01132) 441 114 / (07770) 993366
> Fax: (01132) 441 110
>
>

This article was posted on 26-Sep-2005, 12:54 by Hugh Barrow.