2003 European Nations Cup

The European Nations Cup returned in 2003, being the first tournament since England last won it in 1996. The last European Nations Cup held, in 1996, followed traditional structures presented from previous tournaments, involving just three nations, England, France and Wales, all teams only playing each other once.

2003 (2003) European Nations Cup  ()
Number of teams6
Winner England (13th title)
Matches played7
Tournaments
 < 1996
2004 > 

The 2003 tournament saw a revised structure, with Ireland, Scotland and Russia all joining.[1] The new structure formed the basis of two groups of three, each nation playing a total of two games, where the winner of each group meets in a final.

Pre-tournament favourites England easily won the final against France.

Group 1

Results
26 October
Scotland  22 – 24 [2]  Ireland
Old Anniesland, Glasgow
Attendance: 1,123
Referee: Thierry Alibert
1 November
Ireland  18 – 26 [2]  France
Dalymount Park, Dublin
Attendance: 1,082
Referee: Richard Silverwood
9 November
France  6 – 8  Scotland
Parc des Sports, Avignon
Attendance: 2,200
Referee: Richard Silverwood [3]

Final standings
TeamPlayedWonDrewLostForAgainstDiffPoints
 France 2 1 0 1 32 26 +6 2
 Scotland 2 1 0 1 30 30 0 2
 Ireland 2 1 0 1 42 48 −6 2

France advanced to the final on points differential.

Group 2

Results
26 October
Wales  74 – 4  Russia
Talbot Athletic Ground, Port Talbot
Attendance: 1,082
Referee: Glen Black
2 November
England  102 – 0  Russia
Odsal Stadium, Bradford
Attendance: 1,376
Referee: Richard Silverwood [3]
9 November
England  22 – 4  Wales
Headingley, Leeds
Attendance: 2,124
Referee: Thierry Alibert

Final standings
TeamPlayedWonDrewLostForAgainstDiffPoints
 England 2 2 0 0 124 4 +120 4
 Wales 2 1 0 1 78 26 +52 2
 Russia 2 0 0 2 4 176 −172 0

England advanced to the final.

Final
16 November
England  68 – 6  France
Tries:
Mark Calderwood (4)
Rob Burrow (2)
Gareth Hock
Martin Aspinwall
Ade Gardner
Andy Lynch
Rob Parker
Goals:
Danny Tickle (9)
Jamie Rooney (1)		 report Tries:
Teddy Sadaoui






Goals:
Laurent Frayssinous (1)
Wilderspool Stadium, Warrington
Attendance: 2,536
Referee: Karl Kirkpatrick
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References
  1. "History". rlef.eu.com. Rugby League International Federation. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  2. "History". rli.ie. Rugby League Ireland. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
  3. "Richard Silverwood". therfl.co.uk. Rugby Football League. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2014.
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