Rugby League's 2005 European Nations Cup format confirmed

[smerk]

The format and fixture schedule of the 2005 Rugby League European Nations Cup has been confirmed.

The six nation tournament will involve France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Russia and new entrant Georgia competing in two groups of three.

It is 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, Georgia will make their debut in the tournament with England now 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 against Serbia and Holland.

The final of the tournament - which is now in its third year - will take place in Carcasonne in France on Saturday November 5.

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 in Europe.

?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 including Georgia for 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 in France we 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
Ireland
Scotland
Wales

Group 2
France
Georgia
Russia

WEEK 1

Saturday 15th October: France v Russia ? Arles ko 5pm (local time)
Sunday 16th October: Wales v Scotland ? Brewery Field, Bridgend ko 3pm

WEEK 2

Sunday 23rd October: Russia v Georgia - Luzniki Stadium, Moscow ko 3pm
Sunday 23rd October: Scotland v Ireland ? Glasgow Hawks RFC ko 2.30pm

WEEK 3

Saturday 29th October: Ireland v Wales ? Terenure College RFC, Dublin ko 3pm
Sunday 30th October: Georgia v France - National Stadium, Tbilisi ko 7pm (local time)

WEEK 4

Saturday 5th November: European Nations Cup Final, Carcasonne, ko tbc

source: Superleague media
http://www.superleague.co.uk/news/2007

[Dakink]

Do you know if any of these games will be televised?

If not here can any of our overseas friends help out?

[smerk]

Last year, the European Championship Final was live in France and England I think, or delayed.

There is NO reason as to why FOX cannot obtain that game....absolute laziness.