Barclay, who was appointed to his position last month, was joined at the meeting by his two fellow independent directors, deputy chairman Troy Grant and Emma Young, and Australian Rugby League commissioner Wayne Pearce, who has taken over from Peter Beattie, the chairman of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Consequently, the Board was at full complement for the first time since the adoption of the new constitution in April 2019.

"I was very pleased with the commitment expressed by all the key stakeholders towards both the International Federation and the game," Barclay said.

"The new Board is convened at an exciting time for rugby league, with global cohesion, illustrated by the first confirmed parts of the long-term calendar.

"Everyone understands that the sport can only unlock its true potential through working together in a coherent fashion, and it is up to the Board to take the lead."

Full reviews of the Oceania Cup and Rugby League World Cup 9s were conducted.

The Board was said to be encouraged by the first editions of both competitions, which are next due to be played in 2020 and 2023 respectively.

The Oceania Cup is now played every even year, alongside the other three regional competitions.

Barclay believes the nines concept could have a similar impact on the growth of the code as T20 cricket has for that sport.

"Nines is exciting," Barclay, who is also the chairman of New Zealand Cricket and a member of the International Cricket Council Board, was reported as saying by NRL.com.

"If you look at league in terms of alternate offerings I think Nines is hugely attractive, and it is a little bit different. 

"It is a product that almost stands alone."

The Board also reviewed a commercial plan that will underpin and monetise the long-term calendar.

The plan is built around unlocking the true potential of IRL’s major events, hosting events outside of core rugby league markets and changing the ownership and delivery model of its competitions and their associated rights.

In support of the plan, the Board recommitted to announcing the host of the 2025 Rugby League World Cup before the commencement of next year’s tournament in England.

In addition, the Board confirmed London as the location for its Congress this November, at the same time as rugby league’s first Ashes series since 2003.

Last week, IRL chief executive Nigel Wood presented to the clubs of Australia’s National Rugby League with a view to strengthening relations and cooperation.