The Rugby League International Federation this week expressed their excitement at the progress being made by the RFL in preparation for the England and Wales Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

The RLIF's newly constituted Board met in London this week and were updated on the activity surrounding the 14-nation tournament, which kicks off in two years' time. The Board, consists of Chairman Scott Carter (New Zealand); Vice Chairman Richard Lewis (RFL) and delegates David Gallop and Tas Baitieri (Australia), John Numapo (PNG), Nigel Wood (RFL), John Bishop (New Zealand), Herve Guiraud (RLEF, France) and Graeme Thompson (RLEF, Scotland)

The meeting heard about the success of the hosting programme which attracted more than 20 bids from across the country, including bids from more potential venues than there are fixtures in the tournament.

"After the success of the RLIF International Player of the Year dinner at the Tower of London on Wednesday night, we can see the quality and the imagination that is going into making the 2013 Rugby League World Cup a great success," said Carter.

Fellow delegate David Gallop, of Australia, was equally impressed, saying: "The work on the hosts programme gives a real sense of the anticipation that surrounds the World Cup.

"It's fantastic to hear about the level of interest being shown from across the UK in hosting matches and I can't wait to find out where Australia will be playing two years from now."

Pictured: New Zealand will be looking to defend the Cup they won in 2008