Cameroon is set to become an affiliate member of International Rugby League ©CRLXIII

Cameroon is set to become the latest affiliate member of International Rugby League (IRL) following a recommendation from the worldwide governing body's Board.

Should the recommendation be approved, Cameroon Rugby League XIII (CRLXIII) will join the Nigeria Rugby League Association and Ghana Rugby League Federation as the third affiliate member in the Middle East-Africa region.

"We are fortunate to be part of the most inspiring and inclusive sport in the modern world, rugby league," said CRLXIII general manager Carol Manga.

"We are hoping to see that many nations throughout the Middle East Africa Rugby League are inspired by this enormous step and together we can take rugby league to another level."

Cameroon joining the IRL as an affiliate member has been described as an enormous step for rugby league in the country ©Facebook
Cameroon joining the IRL as an affiliate member has been described as an enormous step for rugby league in the country ©Facebook

The Board has also recommended Philippines National Rugby League (PNRL) become an observer member, "subject to small adjustment to their organisation", the IRL said.

PNRL will become the first formally-recognised member of IRL in Asia if the proposal from the Board is given the green light.

IRL independent director Emma Young has replaced Nigel Wood as a director of the Organising Committee for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 after she was re-elected to a second term.

The Board was also updated on the Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing into the expulsion of Tonga National Rugby League.

The hearing had been delayed by the coronavirus crisis but the IRL said a decision in the case was "expected imminently".