New RLIF boss David Collier interviewed on British TV; implications for NRL and ESL

New RLIF CEO David Collier was interviewed on Boots 'N' All today, some pretty interesting stuff. Apparently today was his first day on the job. I can't find a video of the interview online so I'll post cliff notes:

• The RLIF will look to have jurisdiction over all areas of the game, including rules and referees.

• The RLIF will be looking to formulate a standardized global international calendar that fits in with both the NRL and Super League seasons. Collier emphasized the idea of 'international windows' that are recognized by everyone and don't overlap or cause conflict with domestic leagues.

• Collier mentioned the potential of expansion in nations like Canada, Russia and the USA.

• He wants the RLIF to work in co-operation with the NRL, NZRL and RFL to create a calendar of events that benefits both RL domestically and internationally.

• Talked about how international expansion will benefit both the NRL and Super League.

• Said that the RLIF is in its infancy, and one of the main things that attracted him to the job was the chance to start with a clean slate. He praised the work of the RLEF and said he wants to take it to the 'next level'.

• Eddie Hemmings brought up the fact that many Australians are apathetic towards international RL and may not listen to what the RLIF have to say. Collier said that his initial talks with Australia have been positive. He mentioned top players leaving for other codes, and said that the only way the NRL can go to the next level is by growing their audience worldwide. Collier said that part of his role is convincing Aussies that international expansion is in their best interests.

• Collier was asked about the possibility of bringing back Ashes tours. He said that's up to the RFL and ARL, but that by providing an 'international window' the RLIF will make it possible for them to take place. He said that we need to balance the idea of GB tours, Tri-Nations competitions etc with developing and providing competition for the for the minnow nations.

• Collier emphasized the idea of post-season international windows which would create a standardized international calendar while also allowing for rest periods. He said they don't want to burn out players.

• He mentioned the idea of a 'world event' in the middle of the four-year World Cup cycle. This might be the Confederations Cup we've been speculating about?

• Collier was asked about neutral referees, and agreed with the principle but said that equally they have to be up to the required standard. He said that we need to look to develop referees from other countries to make this possible, including getting international referees involved in Super League and NRL.

• Collier clarified that the RLIF will look to create clearly labeled and specified international windows in which international matches can be played. He said that the structure at the moment is confused and disorganized, and that there are mismatches and overlaps between the domestic season and the international season which he wants to eliminate. He said that they should be looking to set predetermined international windows for the next 8-12 years, and described the international windows as the 'foundation' for the international game going forward.

• He expressed an interest in reforming the international rules and codifying a standardized set of rules. He mentioned that the rules of other international sports are codified in a way that they have universal 'laws' and then additional 'regulations' which vary between competitions, and that he may look to introduce a similar system in RL.

• He mentioned the four existing regions (Europe, Australasia, the Americas and Middle East/Africa) and talked positively about the idea of serious continental World Cup qualifying tournaments. He once again mentioned that a standardized calendar will allow all nations to participate in competitive and meaningful matches while avoiding burnout to top players.

Unfortunately they didn't get chance to ask him about international eligibility rules, which was annoying. Overall though it was a great interview and I was really impressed with what he had to say, it's pretty much the same things we've been talking about for years on this forum. Hopefully he's allowed to implement these ideas without obstruction, this could be the best thing for international RL since the formation of the RLEF.

New RLIF boss David Collier interviewed on British TV; implications for NRL and ESL