The tournament is both a stand alone competition and a qualification tournament for the Rugby League World Cup depending on the year.[2]
History
Background
Previously, the only regular international competitions in North America were the Colonial Cup between the USA and Canada and the Caribbean Carnival Cup between Jamaica and Canada. A predecessor competition, the Atlantic Cup, was held in 2009 and 2010.[2]
2015–present
The Americas Rugby League Championship was in created in 2016 follow the success of the Americas region of the 2015 Americas qualification tournament for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[1] Initially held annually, the tournament switched to every two years following the 2018 event,[2] however the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[3] The tournament restared in 2023[4] and saw a women's event added for the first time, men's event did not occur for unknown reasons. In 2024, the women's tournament doubled as part of the 2026 World Cup qualification process.[5]Brazil withdrew from the tournament and their fixtures were replaced with friendlies against the USA Pioneers.[6]
