Casey Dunne on the way to Rugby League World Cup

Meath man and former Duleek / Bellewstown footballer Casey Dunne scored for Ireland as they negotiated Russia at the weekend (70-16) to secure Rugby League World Cup qualification at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray.

Ireland secured automatic qualification for the Rugby League World Cup with an emphatic 13-try victory over Russia who had no answer to the high-tempo display of power and accuracy.

The victory means Ireland have qualified for next year’s tournament in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, while the Russians face an elimination play-off against Italy next week.

Mark Aston Ireland Coach after the game said: 'The journey and what we have accomplished over the last few years has been immense. Russia today came up against an Irish team that was totally committed and determined to qualify for the world cup.'

'I have been blessed to be with this particular bunch of guys and in the last few weeks it has been a pleasure to work with them towards achieving our goal - A spot in the world cup in 2017.'

'The development of the game in Ireland has been massive and the domestic players that joined us this time around have done themselves, the game and their country proud.'

'We are committed to developing the game of rugby league and the domestic players are the future.'