Ex-England coach Tony Smith believes France pulling out of holding the 2025 Rugby League World Cup is an opportunity lost - but the international game can still flourish.
France bailed on Monday, the second time the tournament's hosts has made a U-turn after North America ditched in 2018 due to financial concerns. France has encountered its own funding issues after its government went cold on some of its original promises. International Rugby League chair Troy Grant admitted it was “difficult to express how disappointed I am” in another hammer blow for the sport.
RFL chair Simon Johnson said it would continue to support the French game on “such a difficult day” while the IRL will meet on Wednesday to start discussing contingency plans. Given England hosted last year’s delayed World Cup, it is widely expected Australia are the most likely to come to the rescue although, if the tournament does go ahead, it may be postponed until 2026.
