I don't understand how people think that having more games between the lesser nations and Australia, NZ and England/GB will benefit them in any way? The 4 nations always contains one whipping boy, what's the point? The international competitions need to be 2 tiered, other than World Cups. There is absolutely no interest in watching the big teams put 40, 50, 60+ in to the emerging nations.

Look at the attendances of last year's Autumn internationals, this is a more real indicator of international RL interest rather than when people are being swept away with the novelty of a WC for the first time in 13 years.

I disagree, last years international series was cobbled together at last minute, played at small grounds against teams that wouldn't give England a test. The crowds reflected that.

the interest in proper 4 Nations games at proper international grounds is much higher.

Bring back the Lions.

I think bringing back GB would be a great idea and having a tour of Aus is the only real option. I'd love to see a 4-Nations down under with GB, NZ, Aus and a Pacific Island XIII fight it out.

World Cup should stay at every four years without a doubt, make it 3 and it completely loses its appeal to me.

Although this is drifting away from the thread, are there any players good enough to play for a G.B. team, who currently play for Wales, Scotland or Ireland, with the obvious exception of a certain Mr D. Brough (who would have played for England, had the national coach not deemed him good enough to play in the last round of international games)

Well look at Italy and Argentina in RU. They're getting hammered year on year, but the IRB are still persevering with them in the competitions. In fact, Italy didn't get the wooden spoon this year in the 6 Nations. Yes, I know they're not major contenders for honours, but it's a start and they're improving because of it.

English fans probably won't turn out for a France game, however the French will, as they've shown time and time again. The only way you'll build interest in France is with more international games and have them hosting England in front of a capacity Avignon crowd, will do wonders for the image of the sport, especially on terrestrial TV.