England will be making only their fourth appearance when the 2008 kicks off in Australia this autumn. Previously known as Great Britain they featured in the first nine tournaments since the World Cup first began in 1954, before first competing under the title of England in 1975, and again in the more recent tournaments (1995 and 2000).

Rugby League was established in England in 1895. 22 Rugby Union clubs based in the north formed a breakaway to form what was known as the Northern Rugby Football Union. The name was later changed to the Rugby Football League in 1922.

Today, England hosts one of the strongest domestic competitions in the sport and boasts almost 250,000 registered players. Domestically, the 12-team Super League is arguably one of the most entertaining and competitive divisions in the world of rugby league. But let’s not forget National League One and Two which also have a large fan base. There is also a Rugby League Conference involving over 70 teams from all around the United Kingdom. The prestigious knockout competition, the Challenge Cup, provides further action-packed entertainment in the Rugby League calendar.

With a successful combined history between Great Britain and England, there is no doubt that Tony Smith’s men will be one of the teams to look out for in the 2008 World Cup in Australia. England will play a warm up match against France in June as they begin their preparations for the tournament.

Road to the World Cup

England (previously known as Great Britain), along with Australia, France, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, were given automatic entry into the 2008 World Cup due to being the original five that entered the tournament between 1954 and 1992.

The top four ranked sides have been grouped together in Pool 1 with England facing Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The top three from the group will all qualify for the knock out stages along with the winner of the qualifying semi-final.

World Cup history
Great Britain and England between them have competed in all twelve tournaments since the Rugby League World Cup was first established in 1954, and together are the second most successful sides to have competed in it.

With Australia leading the way with nine world cups, Great Britain proved to be the next most successful by winning the other three, starting with the inaugural tournament in 1954.

Great Britain have appeared in nine tournaments to date, and enjoyed their first World Cup success by beating the hosts, France, 16-12 at the Parc Des Princes in Paris in 1954. In 1960 Great Britain hosted the World Cup for the first time and finished as champions with a 10-3 victory over Australia in the final at Bradford’s Odsal Stadium. Great Britain’s most recent triumph came in 1972, with a 10-10 draw against Australia in Lyon. The scores remained unchanged after extra time but Great Britain won the World Cup on league placing from the group stages.

Meanwhile, England has appeared in three World Cups, finishing as runner-up on two occasions. In 1975, England finished second in the group just one point behind the eventual winners Australia. In the group stages England drew 10-10 with Australia in Sydney before coming out on top 16-13 at Wigan’s Central Park. But the final was more one sided with Australia winning 25-0 at Headingley Stadium. In the 1995 tournament England topped Group One with victories over Australia, Fiji and South Africa. After a 25-10 victory over Wales at Old Trafford, England earned a place in the final against old foes Australia. It was a lot closer this time around but England were defeated 16-8 at Wembley.

In the 2000 tournament, England featured in Pool 1 alongside Australia, Fiji and Russia, claiming second place in the group to earn the place in the quarter finals. England were defeated by Australia 22-2 in their opening game at Twickenham. But England responded with victories over Russia and Fiji. Kevin Sinfield grabbed a hat-trick as England comprehensively beat Russia 76-4 at Knowsley Road. It was the turn of Jamie Peacock to grab a hat-trick as England ended the group stages with a 66-10 victory over Fiji at Headingley.

In the quarter finals England beat Ireland 26-16 at Headingley to set up a meeting with the eventual runners up, New Zealand, at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. Tony Smith crossed for England’s only try as they lost out 49-6 to the Kiwis.

Head Coach

Tony Smith is currently the coach of the English national side, and has already proven to be a huge success on the international stage.

When Smith took over Great Britain in 2007, he led the Lions to a 3-0 whitewash in the test series against New Zealand including a 44-0 thrashing over their Southern Hemisphere rivals at the KC Stadium in Hull.

Smith was also in charge of Super League sides Huddersfield Giants (2001-2003) and Leeds Rhinos (2004-2007), and will be most notably remembered for his achievements at Leeds. In 2004, he guided the Rhinos to their first league title of the Super League era as well as winning the World Club Challenge against Canterbury Bulldogs. Last season (2006/07) Smith led the Rhinos to second place in the league including two victories over Bradford Bulls and Saint Helens. Despite a narrow 10-8 against St Helens in the playoffs, Leeds hit back with a comprehensive 33-6 victory over the Lancashire side in the Grand Final as Smith’s reign as Rhinos’ coach ended in success.

Players to watch

England Captain Jamie Peacock will no doubt be one of the star players at the World Cup this autumn.

The 30-year-old prop/second row is one of the biggest talents in the sport, and a great leader for anyone to have in their squad, and it will be no surprise if he is named as captain when the England squad is officially announced before the World Cup.

Peacock started his career in the Leeds Rhinos junior set up before moving to Bradford Bulls where he made his Super League debut in 1999. During his time with the Bulls, Peacock won all the honours available, with Grand Final, Challenge Cup, and World Club Challenge titles already to his name. Not only that but he has also earned such awards as Man of Steel, Players’ Player of the Year and Rugby League Writers’ Player of the Year. Peacock took over as captain in his final season with the Bulls before moving to Leeds Rhinos in 2006 where he continues to be one of the best forwards Super League.

Leeds Rhinos' Rob Burrow will also be one to watch at this year’s World Cup after arguably his best ever season of his career so far.

The 25-year-old scrum half is only small in stature but a danger to any opposition with his darting runs through the defence. He was named Leeds Rhinos’ Player of the Year for his performances last season (2006/07) and was also named in the Super League Dream Team. To cap of a truly excellent season, Burrow was awarded the Harry Sutherland trophy for his man of the match performance in the 33-6 victory over St Helens in the Super League Grand Final. Not only that but he was named Man of the Series for his key role in helping Great Britain to a 3-0 whitewash over New Zealand in the Test Series. There is no doubt that the youngster’s skill and enthusiasm will be an invaluable asset for England at the World Cup this autumn.