The 2009 Rugby League Four Nations tournament (officially known as the Gillette Four Nations due to sponsorship) was played in England and France over three weeks from Friday, 23 October 2009 until Saturday, 14 November 2009. The tournament was largely based on the concept of the Rugby League Tri-Nations. France and England competed for the first time. Great Britain did not feature in the competition, as they broke up after the 2007 New Zealand All Golds Tour, to be reformed only on special occasions. Their place was taken by England.
The tournament culminated in a final between world number 1 side Australia and hosts England. After 60 minutes of highly competitive football, Australia ran away with the match, scoring a barrage of late tries to win 46-16.
The 2009 series was the first of three Four Nations series planned before the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, with the venues rotating between Europe and the South Pacific. The RLIF also stated that the next Four Nations would be held 2010.
Read more about 2009 Rugby League Four Nations: Qualification, Participating Teams, Referees, Venues, Tournament Ladder, Final, Non-series Tests, Awards, Broadcast Details
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“He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no harm shall touch you. In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the wild animals of the earth. For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the wild animals shall be at peace with you.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Job 5:19-23.
“Poor nations are hungry, and rich nations are proud; and pride and hunger will ever be at variance.”
—Jonathan Swift (1667–1745)