England defeated New Zealand in June at Denver's Mile High Stadium.GETTY IMAGES
England's two rugby tests against New Zealand in Denver over the next two years were canceled, according to the BBC. Promoter Jason Moore did not meet a deadline to pay the Rugby Football League and New Zealand Rugby League. The Kiwis will instead host current world champion Australia and World Cup semifinalist Tonga. The games in Denver "were hoped to raise the sport's profile" before the 2025 World Cup in the U.S. and Canada. Rugby League Int'l Federation CEO Nigel Wood said that his organization would be "seeking further discussions with the promoter" to assess "any potential implications" for the 2025 World Cup. It is the first time the tournament will be held outside Europe and Australasia, "but the issue puts it under considerable doubt" (BBC, 9/5). STUFF's David Long reported New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters "has serious concerns about the Rugby League World Cup going to North America" in '25 as it "reels from a financial hit." The NZRL will not get paid for its "controversial" Denver test against England in June and it "has left a serious financial strain" on the organization. The "main reason why the NZRL went for the Kiwis playing in Denver was because of the large financial windfall" it was promised over a three-year contract. Two years ago, Moore Sports Int'l was provisionally awarded the rights to take the 2025 World Cup to North America. Peters "has an issue" with MSI being involved and "questions whether that region should be hosting the World Cup." Peters said, "Certainly not with that particular promoter." The NZRL is "exploring legal avenues over the Denver debacle," but there is the "concern of racking up large legal costs" and at the end being told the firm does not have any money, so cannot "pay it back" (STUFF, 9/5).
