The 2008 World Cup in Australia will only be Ireland’s second appearance in the tournament, but the history of the game in the country dates back to 1989 when Dublin Blues were formed by Brian Corrigan. The Blues went onto play touring teams from Britain, and in 1995 Ireland formed its first competitive team to play against USA in Washington. The game took place on St Patrick’s day of that year with Ireland coming out on top 24-22.

Domestically, there are now three leagues in Ireland with the Elite League and two conference divisions split into North and South. What started out as an experiment struggling in its first year, was reviewed in 2007, with a shorter season and a restructured league put into place. Treaty City Titans continue to lead the way, winning the Elite League on three consecutive occasions.

Although Ireland did not gain any of the GBR after it split into separate nations in 2007, they do have several Super League regulars in their side including Damien Blanch, Chris Bridge and Ryan Tandy.

With the World Cup looming this autumn, interest in rugby league in Ireland has increased and coach Andy Kelly has already urged anyone who thinks they can contribute to the Irish team to make themselves known.

Road to the World Cup

Ireland had to rely on points difference as they finished top of their qualifying group to secure their place in the 2008 World Cup.

Ireland’s qualifying campaign got underway with a trip to Moscow in October 2006, and in the end Ireland won comprehensively 50-12. Gavin Dodd grabbed a hat-trick with Phil Cantillion, Stuart Littler and Chris Bridge each crossing for two tries. Bridge was on hand with seven conversions. But their second game wasn’t to be as easy, with a late try from Littler rescuing a point for Ireland against Lebanon in Dublin.

When qualifying resumed in October 2007, Littler was once again the star of the show grabbing a hat-trick in an eleven try demolition of Russia (58-18). But Ireland’s qualification would go down to the final game, in Dewsbury, against Lebanon. In a tense encounter Ireland, a late penalty from Chris Bridge earned them a 16-16 and top spot in the group, as they booked their place in the World Cup thanks to a late penalty from Chris Bridge.

Ireland will face Samoa for the second consecutive tournament, while another Pacific Nation, Tonga, completes the line up in Pool 3. The winner of the group will face the winner of Pool 2 in a playoff to find out who takes the final semi final spot.

World Cup history

Ireland made their first World Cup appearance in 2000 and after a successful group stage reached the quarter finals where they were knocked out by England.

In the 2000 tournament, Ireland were drawn in Pool 4 alongside Samoa, New Zealand Māori and Scotland, and came out on top with three wins out of three.

Ireland opened their World Cup account with a 30-16 victory over Samoa, before beating Scotland 18-6. In their final group game they beat New Zealand Māori 30-16 to earn a quarter final clash against England. However, the dream ended there for Ireland as they fell to a 26-16 defeat at Headingley.

Head Coach

Andy Kelly was assistant to Steve O’Neill when Ireland featured in the World Cup in 2000, and since taking over successfully led his side to qualify for the 2008 tournament in Australia.

Kelly is also currently the head coach at Dewsbury Rams and inspired them to promotion in 2006 when he was named NL2 Coach of the Year.

After leading Ireland to the World Cup following a successful qualifying campaign, Kelly’s men could be the surprise package of the tournament this year.

Players to watch
Captain Stuart Littler played a crucial part in Ireland’s qualification for the 2008 World Cup in Australia. The Salford City Reds centre scored six tries in the qualifying campaign including a hat-trick in the 58-18 victory over Russia. The skipper also grabbed an injury time try against Lebanon to rescue a crucial point for Ireland. Originally with Leigh Miners Rangers Amateur Rugby League, Littler has played his entire professional career at the Willows, since joining Salford in 1998.

The goal kicking of Chris Bridge will be a crucial asset to the Ireland squad as they prepare for the World Cup. The halfback has an excellent defensive ability and great handling skills and is a handful for any opposition. Bridge grabbed a brace in the 50-12 victory in Moscow, and showed the importance of kicking with a last minute penalty to level the scores at 16-16 against Lebanon.