Those nations that play rugby league are in their greater numbers in Europe and the Oceania. Of these two areas the Oceanic is arguably the strongest region; it consists of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and many other smaller island nations to the east.
The rugby league playing European nations consist mainly of England and France and Wales rounding out the top three for the area. Traditionally, rugby league has been a game for Britain only however recent developments have seen Georgia, Germany, Netherlands, Estonia, Malta and others take part in international rugby league at some level.
Although the French could arguably be called a developing nation, in comparison to it's competition, it has a long and colourful history, perhaps one that no other sport could claim to shadow. The French rugby league started out with a bang.
The growth of rugby league world wide lost pace after the French made a quick return following the lifting of the ban. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, the French are no longer a contender in large international matches and the number of nations playing is extremely similar to 1950s. In fact until recently, Australia held a domination over the entire game so much so that it could arguably be the most impressive and consistent form shown by any nation in any sport.
The Australians dominance and the impact of the Super League through out England/France and Australia/New Zealand, lead to a massive decrease in funding, interest and organisation of international matches not only during the super league's 'reign of terror' (as many Australians may describe it) but for many years after. The most significant loss to the rugby league community has been the RLWC. This was in part due to the financial disaster that was the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, which left the Rugby Football League of Great Britain in debt from which it has only recently been able to recoop.
However, since 2003 international matches are back on the egender for most rugby league fans starting with the Ashes series and the Tri-Nations tournaments of 2004 onwards. The next RLWC shall be a 10 team tournament, scheduled for 2008 which shall be the end of the longest period between RLWCs ever.
Demographics
editFrom the moment the rugby rebels took on the upper class in 1895, there existed a clear demographic in the sport; working class men. As the sport expanded, the rugby unions of various nations countries aimed to control the spread of rugby league which have given the sport a unique range of demographics, such as location, race and as always class.
Interestingly though, some of these demographics are slowly fading away as professionalism sweeps both Australian and English club competitions and fierce competition with other football codes takes place.
More often then not though, the demographics of rugby leagues, with the exception of class are similar to that of rugby unions; an obvious effect of rugby leagues initial dependence on the armature rugby union structures that gave birth to rugby league. Also, the people that play rugby league are sometimes the very same people who play rugby union and similar sports such as touch rugby; the similarities and origins of the sports obviously make them appealing to the people that grew up initially following only one of the sports.
Apart from class, the most interesting aspect of rugby leagues demographics is location. In just about every nation where rugby league is played, there consists only a portion of that nation that may follow it more strongly then others. Great examples include England (in the North), Australia (NSW & QLD), New Zealand (Auckland/North Island) and France (South/South Eastern). More often then not, the reason behind the demographic of location has more to do with where the code was first played. In fact, this goes for all the 4 nations mentioned above.
Perhaps the only nation that can claim to have very little interesting aspects of rugby leagues demographic is Papua New Guinea, where the sport is played by everyone, everwhere.
Development
editRugby league's beginning in any area is normally initially fuelled by existing rugby union structures, such as competitions and clubs. Historically, individuals sort to start a rugby league competition because it offered lucrative opportunities for budding entreupeneurs. This was no less true then in Australia, New Zealand and France. On the other hand like rugby league's humble beginnings in Great Britain frustrations with the local rugby union administration or the international rugby body can and have helped establish rugby league or convert an entire union administration to rugby league respectively.
In the 21st century, money is still a driving force behind rugby league's expansion internationally but more often then not it is spear headed by either the Rugby Football League or the Australia Rugby League. International competition for the RFL and ARL is profitable two fold. Firstly the games themselves attract paying fans, sponsorship and the organisers are able to sell the broadcast rights to the highest bidder. Secondly, major spectacles, such as international rugby league can ignite an individuals interest in the game, which may lead them to follow club level competition which is of the interest to the RFL and the ARL due to their interests in the ESL and NRL respectively.
Development is primarily funded by the major international competitions such as the Tri-Nations and the Rugby League World Cup. Similar youth tournaments also play an important role.
Nations introduced to the game of rugby league in 2005 include: