England wins bid to host 2021 Rugby League Men’s and Women’s World Cups

England has won the rights to host the 2021 Rugby League Men’s and Women’s World Cups.

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) said that England scored heavily in bidding thanks to its supporter base and UK government support, both in terms of the £25 million government support of the event and its legacy, as well as in areas such as visas, security, international development and promotion of the event.

“The England bid, which is built upon achieving a spectator attendance in excess of one million and the delivery of a £10 million capital legacy programme, will be of massive benefit to our sport. England staged an outstanding World Cup in 2013 and have clearly outlined their vision for the 2021 World Cup as a World Class event eclipsing the attendances, reach and legacy of 2013,” said RLIF Chief Executive David Collier. “The bid details that the Rugby League World Cup will be the highlight of the international sporting calendar in England that year and RLIF looks forward to a great tournament.” The RLIF has recommended that the competing MSI USA/Canada bid be awarded the 2025 Rugby League World Cup together with, and subject to further evaluation, an inter-nations tournament to be played between the 2021 and 2025 World Cups.

The 2017 Rugby League World Cup will take place in New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea. The tournament kicks-off on Friday, 27 October 2017.