World Cup qualifiers start in April

The countdown to the 2008 World Cup in Australia will begin in April when the first qualifying games take place.

A European Nations B event featuring Georgia, Holland, Russia and Serbia will be staged between April and June – with the top two teams joining Ireland, Lebanon, Scotland and Wales in a qualifying tournament to be played across October and November of 2006 and 2007.

England and France will be among the teams guaranteed automatic World Cup entry.

The plan was drawn up at the Rugby League European Federation meeting in London, which was attended by a record 16 nations – including newcomers Czech Republic.

France will host an under-19s European Championship from July 5-12.