The World Nines, scheduled for Australia or New Zealand in February, have been scrapped because there is not enough time to organise them.

Maurice Lindsay, the new Super League managing director who still holds the position of International Board chairman, said: "Several countries have been pressing me for an urgent decision as we are getting close to the proposed date.

"I received final confirmation today that the competition will not take place.

"I fully understand the position of Australia, who fund and host the World Nines tournament as they have just reached a momentous agreement Down Under.

"They need time in their new partnership with the Australian RL to finalise certain matters which has left them too little time for the Nines.

"This decision, although unavoidable, will be a disappointment, particularly for the smaller Pacific nations who have always enjoyed this competition.

"Decisions are still on-going in the hope that we can construct an international calendar that will appeal to everyone in 1998 and beyond."

Lindsay also confirmed that the proposed mid-season Tri-Nations tournament between Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand was also likely to be put off.

The Rugby Football League are currently drawing up plans to host a European competition during the three-week break in Super League in July while Great Britain are expected to take part in a mini World Cup in Australia later this year.

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