Rugby League will feature in an exhibition event prior the 2014 Commonwealth Games for the first time, with the 2014 SG Ball Competition Premiers, the Sydney Roosters representing Australia.
The event will take place across 27 and 28 June 2014 at Broadwood Stadium Glasgow.
Eight Nations will compete in the Commonwealth Rugby League 9-a-side event with Australia lining up alongside Canada, England, Jamaica, PNG, Scotland, South Africa and Wales.
“After the success of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in the UK and this year’s Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines this is another amazing opportunity to showcase the Rugby League on an international stage,” NRL Head of Football Mr Todd Greenberg said.
“The International reach of Rugby League continues to grow and hosting exhibition events such as this, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, are incredibly important for the game.
“It is also a wonderful way to showcase NRL’s development pathways and some of the best young up and coming talent Australia has to offer.”
Australia will play three pool games on the 27 July against Jamaica, Wales and Scotland with Quarters, Semis and Finals to be played on 28 June.
The next Commonwealth Games in 2018 will be held on Australia’s Gold Coast – where the plan is to again run a pre-Games exhibition, most likely at U23 level, with a view to 9s becoming a category two sport and eligible for full inclusion in the Commonwealth Games thereafter.
The full squad will be announced in the coming days.
Rugby League Commonwealth Championship 2014 - Format
Pool A: Australia (ranked 1), Wales (6), Scotland (11), Jamaica (23)
Pool B: England (3), PNG (7), Canada (16), South Africa (25)