MEA to introduce four tiers of international competition

Middle East Africa Rugby League has reacted to the continued growth of rugby league in the region by announcing that the format for representative games will be designed to accommodate more nations and will include promotion and relegation throughout. The format will allow members to participate in formal competition and progress at their own rate through the ranks.

The plan is to have an MEA Cup, MEA Championship, MEA League and MEA Regionals, with each tier determined by membership status criteria.

“The Middle East Africa region event format will fall into line with similar federation competition in Asia Pacific, the Americas and Europe,” said MEA regional director, Remond Safi. “New and current members will participate in a pathway to qualify for future World Cups. The Middle East and Africa region is a very exciting growth area for the whole sport. I’m looking forward to seeing this format expand and to build each individual level to obtain its own commercial and branding opportunities.”