A Nines World Cup and an Emerging Nations World Championship have been revealed as part of the new international calendar following a meeting by the Rugby League International Federation’s board.

The plans were revealed recently after the board met to broaden the international game, with a number of new ideas proposed.

Th first ever Nines World Cup will take place following a tour of Australia and New Zealand by England in 2019.

If you were picking an Australian side for a Nines World Cup – who would be in it? #NRL #RugbyLeague — Andrew Bryan (@AndrewBryan321) March 29, 2017

While the 2021 World Cup will be a 16-team competition, with all eight quarter-finalists from this year’s event automatically qualifying.

“This meeting received the Tier One Nations proposed programme for the next four-year cycle together with the RLF Global Events,” said RLIF chairman Nigel Wood.

“The RLIF Chief Executive David Collier will now work with our Continental Federations and our International Competition Group chaired by Graeme Thompson to bring forward proposals to our 9 May Board meeting concerning complementary Continental competitions and matches to expand Tier Two and Tier Three Nation international fixtures.

“Whilst the detail of the matches will not be finalised until the Autumn RLIF is delighted to have identified a full programme for the next four-year cycle to enable the completion of the International Calendar.”

In support of the RLIF strategic plan, the board determined to support an Emerging Nations World Championship in 2018.

Each team will be required to be entered by the RLIF Member Nation and will be required to meet the RLIF eligibility regulations