The Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) reaches its semi-finals this weekend, in a tournament that’s been marked by upsets, nail-biting finishes and some lopsided scorelines.

On Saturday in Newcastle, New Zealand’s Kiwi Ferns face Fetu Samoa in the women’s competition, before the Kiwis take on an unbeaten Tonga. Sunday’s matches in Sydney see Australia’s Jillaroos meet Fiji, while their counterparts the Kangaroos face Samoa in a rematch of the previous RLWC men’s final.

Pacific nations feature in all four semi-finals. But while the teams represent countries across the region, the vast majority of their players were born in Australia or New Zealand.

Our analysis of the semi-final squads found 85% of the women and 95% of the men were born in these two countries. Many have also represented other nations during their international careers.

These figures speak to the tight connections between Pacific countries, Australia and New Zealand – and the opportunities rugby league offers players with ties to more than one nation.

Small populations, big ties

By comparing squad profiles with population data, we can see how migration, family connections and population trends are reflected on the rugby league field.

Population size is no guarantee of success in international rugby league. England and France, with populations of around 59 million and 66 million respectively, have........

© The Conversation