'No' to global club challenge

No room for extra fixtures

Last updated: 3rd December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

'No' to global club challenge

St Helens: winners in 2007

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The RFL has firmly rejected a proposed plan for an expanded 16-team World Club Challenge.

A report over the weekend suggested the best six teams from Great Britain and Australia and two from each of France and New Zealand could meet in a tournament from 2009.

But the RFL has claimed there would be no room for it in an already crowded calendar.

The World Club Challenge is currently played as a one-off fixture between the Super League and Australian NRL champions early in the season. St Helens are the current holders after an 18-14 victory over Brisbane Broncos earlier this year.

Leeds will face Melbourne Storm in this year's renewal at Elland Road on February 29.

Speculation

RFL communications director Craig Spence said: "There is certainly no truth in speculation that the RFL, together with engage Super League clubs, have had a meeting to give such a proposal the thumbs up.

"The only World Club Challenge we're currently looking forward to is the mouth-watering clash between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm.

"The fixture list in this country is already full and we know the NRL's view on disturbing their competition mid-season.

"Player burn-out also needs to be factored in especially when you consider that we have the World Cup next year and a new four nations tournament likely to take place towards the end of 2009.

"Therefore such a competition is a non-starter."