England’s early exit from Rugby League World Cup highlights need for systemic change

English rugby league has called for systemic change, arguing that the national side must receive higher priority after an early exit from the Rugby League World Cup. The criticism highlights a perceived decline in the sport over the past eight to ten years.

Damning remarks about the state of English rugby league were first made by former Kangaroos coach Ricky Stuart almost two decades ago. Stuart delivered the comments after England’s men were beaten in the semi‑finals of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, and his stance remains influential today.

England has failed to reach the last four for the first time, having not qualified from an arguably farcical group‑stage format. The result underscores the urgency of the reforms called for by the sport’s critics.