International Nines travels to Parramatta's new Western Sydney Stadium

The success of the old NRL Auckland Nines competition for clubs laid the foundation for the Downer World Cup 9s tournament to be held in the new Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta next October.

Twelve international men's and four women's teams will play 28 games on October 18 and 19, all of which will be broadcast live by Fox Sports.

"This will be the last in our World Cup portfolio," said Nigel Wood, CEO of the International Rugby Union (RLIF), at the Friday's launch of Parramatta Leagues Club's highest parking level. April.

The Eels-West Tigers game on Easter Monday will be the first game of the NRL to take place in the stadium.

"It was clear that there was missing a coin in our wallet and what was the abridged version of the game," Wood said. "The Nine is very important strategically for the FRIL as it will be at the next Commonwealth Games (2022 Birmingham, England) and the Pacific Games (2019 Samoa)."

NRL boss Todd Greenberg, who played a leading role in the Nines international tournament, was also present at the launch and confirmed that current Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga would be the coach. of the Australian Nines team.

"This stems from the success of Auckland Nines and I expect it to be exactly the same, if not better," Greenberg said.

"We think that many NRL players will want to play for their country," Greenberg said. "It's something to add to the international calendar at the end of the seasons so that more and more people can play for their country.

"Mal is very excited about the contest and the opportunity to think differently.I have had conversations with a number of other international coaches and all support the concept."

The tournament will be held every four years and Greenberg has been quick to appease any worry of burnout.

"We have looked at a number of different interests regarding the workload of the players, but introducing the nine in the international game will be a great success," he said.

"Players representing their nations are different from players playing for their clubs.

"This event could have gone anywhere in the world.It's the first time we have it.I can not tell you how happy I am to be here and to say that the first international matches will be played here in Sydney under this brand new stadium.

"I think that says a lot about the infrastructure development of this government (NSW)."

It is estimated that the 9th Downer Rugby League World Cup will bring $ 11 million to the NSW economy and will attract around 14,000 visitors, in addition to local fans.

The FRVL will now launch an invitation process to develop the composition of the 16 teams.

The total price and distribution of this amount are still under discussion, according to Greenberg. But he promised some flexibility in the rules, as was the case with the Auckland Nines.

"There will be a number of innovations in this tournament for men and women, that it's about the number of points scored in different parts of the field, like in Auckland.

"All of these things will be debated by then, but there will be some interesting things we will talk about at the RLIF."

Tickets will go on sale next year but fans can register their interest here.