The RFL have convened a panel of former players to address the deep-rooted issues for the sport internationally after a worst-ever Rugby League World Cup performance.

Both the men’s and women’s sides have crashed out of the Rugby League World Cup in the group stages, marking the worst-ever performance for England.

The men won two of their three games but were unfortunate victims to the tournament’s format though many will rightfully argue that the best four nations have made the tournament’s semi-final stages anyway.

With major changes need to ensure England do not get left behind on the international scene, the Rugby Football League (RFL) have shared a statement to confirm that they are launching a panel that will look to ‘map out a future for the national game’.

It’s the first major statement and decision made by new CEO of the RFL, Ian Nolan, and one that he’s admitted is not a quick fix.

Nolan said: “The panel will help us form some big decisions and changes. Those decisions might need the support of the entire game, and progress won’t be achieved overnight. These will be changes that pay off in four, eight, ten years’ time.

“The input from the panel gathered together will be pivotal in giving us some of the answers we need and the thinking required to enable us to reach our on-field objectives.”

RFL confirm major plans after Rugby League World Cup exits

Thus far, only a few names on the panel have been announced but all of those who have been confirmed have played at the very elite level for England and/or Great Britain.

Former Great Britain captain Paul Sculthorpe, NRL and Super League legend Adrian Morley, York Knights’ assistant coach Gareth Ellis, and the most-capped player in women’s international rugby league Jodie Cunningham are the first four names confirmed.

A statement from the RFL said: “The panel’s launch will augment the work started earlier in the year – coined internally as ‘One Game, One England’ – now extending that remit across the whole pyramid, looking at how the player pool in this country is increased and how the game is played.”

They added: “Some of the greatest players in England’s modern history will convene to help map out a future for the national game, including further analysis of the pyramid, from grassroots and pathways to the player pool for the international stage.

“After the disappointment of seeing England miss out on the World Cup semi-finals across both the Men’s and Women’s competition, recently-appointed RFL Chief Executive Ian Nolan has decided to call upon the knowledge of a raft of stellar quality to form an in-depth discussion on national performance.”

Nolan also made it clear that England cannot use travel or tournament format as an excuse, stating: “There are plenty of mitigating reasons why we failed to reach the knock-out stages, many of which were out of our control, such as travel itineraries and format of the competition, but we can’t use these as excuses.”

He added: “This analysis of our national game will be all encompassing, including how we can influence media rights, balancing reach and revenue, and attracting new audiences.

“But on the pitch, we must look at why we have consistently struggled to make our mark on the world stage for more than half a century; this isn’t just a recent problem.”

Nolan confirmed that the findings and strategy will be finalised by the end of the year.

Some of @England_RL’s greatest players will come together to help map out the future of the national game.

Following World Cup disappointment for both the Men’s and Women’s teams, RFL CEO Ian Nolan will bring together a wealth of experience to form an in-depth discussion 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 https://t.co/JzUXXRayCd

— Rugby Football League (@TheRFL) November 1, 2026

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