England’s exit from Rugby League World Cup was a disaster years in the making | Aaron Bower

England's rugby league team has been eliminated from the Rugby League World Cup before the semi-finals for the first time, failing to qualify from the group stage. The exit has reignited long-standing criticism of English rugby league's lack of systemic development, echoing comments made by Australia coach Ricky Stuart nearly two decades ago after England's 2008 World Cup semi-final defeat. Analysts and insiders are calling for structural reform and greater prioritisation of the national side.