Rugby League’s success as a growing international sport has been recognised by the Commonwealth Games Federation at their meeting in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

The Federation gave its unanimous support to an application for Rugby League to become a Category Three sport, an important step which will enable the sport to continue to expand and develop across the globe.

The application was presented to the Sports Review Committee of the Commonwealth Games Federation by a delegation from the Rugby League International Federation.

David Gent, chairman of the RLIF’s Commonwealth Commissionsaid: “Rugby League has a long tradition of being played in Commonwealth countries and so this recognition by the CGF will ensure that the game continues to prosper in regions such as Europe and Oceania.

“Recognition by the Commonwealth Games Federation will also enable Commonwealth countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Caribbean to develop the game and help the RLIF strengthen competition at a Commonwealth and world level.”