[3] Although one of the later football codes to be developed, the game has expanded outside of its traditionals heartlands in Australia, Northern England, Southern France, and New Zealand.
However, due to the late rescheduling of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, only full members will be allowed to compete in the next edition.
The game is also played at a lower amateur level across the Americas by ex-patriates although only recognised national organisations are listed here for brevity.
In 2013, BCRL will be made up of 6 teams, namely Bayside Sharks, Kelowna Crows, Richmond Bears, Sea to Sky Eagles, Surrey Beavers and Vancouver Dragons.
The sport is played at amateur level in most European countries although only England, Wales, and France have professional or semi-professional clubs.
The game in the Middle East is one of the fastest growing sports with regular internationals played against European and Mediterranean teams.
The vast distance of teams from the game's heartlands has at times affected the development of the sport but new advances in the 21st century have seen a major increase in the number of internationals scheduled.
Many high calibre players from the continent have progressed to the top club leagues, including Younes Khattabi, Jamal Fakir, Tom van Vollenhoven, Fred Griffiths and Jarrod Saffy.