More than 20 Countries will be given the chance to play in the 2013 rugby league World Cup to be held in the UK.

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) announced this week that 14 nations will compete in the modified and expanded tournament, with two of the countries coming from qualifying tournaments in the northern and southern hemispheres.

The proposal for a 14-nation World Cup was ratified in Singapore at a meeting of the RLIF.

RLIF chairman Colin Love said: (quote) We are delighted to have ratified this proposal for a 14-nation Rugby League World Cup, which was unanimously supported by RLIF delegates. Going forward I am confident that in 2013 we will see a tournament that will successfully showcase international rugby league to a worldwide audience.