Ireland coach Andy Kelly set his sights on 2013 after watching his side fall one hurdle short of the World Cup semi-finals. Kelly's heroes missed out on a dream meeting with Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium after they were beaten 30-14 by the multi-talented Fijians in the semi-final qualifier in front of a crowd of 8,224 at Gold Coast's Skilled Park.

The 2000 quarter-finalists are confident of being able to go one better next time and, in the meantime, hope their achievements will earn them a call-up to the Tri-Nations Series.

The series is due to be expanded in 2009 with the addition of France but, after the Tricolors finished with the wooden spoon from the 10-team tournament, there are calls for the Irish to be promoted above them.

Asked for his reaction if the French are confirmed as the fourth nation, Kelly said: "I would feel a little put out. I feel that we deserve a shot at something that is of a higher profile.

"We would be more than happy to be involved. There are a few suggestions about the next tournament but we've got nothing definite yet. I would hope something would be put in place quite quickly and it's a viable competition that we can all benefit from.

"I understand there is another World Cup possibly in five years and, if we can get regular fixtures, I am sure we can go further than we have this year.

"I think Ireland's improvement and regular international fixtures would help England as well."