Canada is on track to become the next country in the Americas to gain full membership of the International Rugby League (IRL). It’s currently an affiliate member. Canada joined the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF), which is now the European Rugby League (ERL), and was given an observer status in 2010 before it became an affiliate member in 2013. That followed a change to its structure and the establishment of the not-for-profit Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA).
The Association’s president John Cameron said when the IRL changed the qualification rules for this year’s Rugby League World Cup (RLWC26), he realized the game’s structure in Canada needed to be tweaked. “One of the key requirements for full membership, for the men to partake in qualifications, is a robust junior program to act as a feeder,” he said.
“Since the inception of the U-19 Wolverines in late 2024, at the encouragement of the requirements, I cannot underplay the importance this has had for our organization in continuing to introduce sustainability to our international men’s team and the constant refreshing to our domestic leagues. Though common in union, and many developed rugby league nations, the IRL’s focus on this, and Jamaica’s example in North America, has paid many dividends to the sustainability of our program moving forward.”
Cameron credits Wolverines head coach Aaron Zimmerle for helping to progress the game in the Great White North. “I also want to commend the dedication of Aaron,” he said. “He’s seen the highs and lows with Canada rugby league, and his steadfast dedication to our program despite the challenges along the way, is frankly one of the main reasons I expect the rankings to reflect our growth in late 2026 when they’re released. The CRLA is very appreciative of his commitment to his other homeland.”
Zimmerle, who’s based in Queensland, Australia, is originally from Canada. He coached the Wolverines to a winning 2-1 record on their European tour this month. “I would say it’s our men’s most successful tour to date. We headed to Europe to challenge our boys,” continued Cameron. “The only way we’re going to build our skillset and climb the rankings is by facing those ranked above us. Not only were Norway, Scotland and the Netherlands all great hosts, they gave us what we needed, a change. The tour resonated for the CRLA in multiple ways.
Sure, taking two of three in the span of nine days was an awesome outcome against those ranked above us, but the opportunity to try new blood, build connections with some of our U-19s who attended camp and even played, was the greatest return. “In order for Canada Rugby League to continue to build, we need to continue to follow up with opportunities like this.” In line with that, the Canadian national women’s team has just wrapped up its own tour of Europe. The Ravens shut out Wales 14-0 in their opening match on July 19th in Neath and followed that up with a 34-
4 wins against Scotland this past Saturday in Hawick. It was the first time Canada and Scotland have gone head-to-head in women’s international rugby league. The young Canadian Wolverines team also played in the European U-19s Championship this month and posted a 1-2 record. They beat Norway and lost to Greece and Ireland.
