RLIF restores Under-19 European Championship to international calendar

The Rugby League European Federation is to restore the Under-19 European Championship to the international calendar after a 12-year absence.

Seeded nations England, France, Scotland and Wales will be joined by Ireland, Russia, Serbia and either Italy or Ukraine, who will contest a qualifying match, in the tournament to be held in Belgrade in August 2018.

Ralph Rimmer, chief operating officer for the Rugby Football League, said: "We are delighted to support the reinstated tournament.

"It is a testament to the success of the player development programmes across the game and a reflection on the strength and depth of the talent coming through.

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"The players involved will benefit immensely from the experience of international competition and I have no doubt that they, plus the nations that they represent, will emerge far stronger for their involvement."

In the only previous tournament, which was held in France in 2006, the hosts defeated England 56-0 in the final with the help of current full internationals Vincent Duport, Mickael Simon and Jean-Philippe Baile.