Department for Culture, Media and Sport
England will host the Rugby League World Cup in 2021, the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) announced today.
The tournament is anticipated to host a million spectators at venues across England, including in the sports heartlands in the Northern Powerhouse.
The government is committing up to 25 million to the tournament and its legacy, with up to 15 million pledged to support the staging of the event and up to 10 million for Rugby Leagues infrastructure - to grow the game across the country.
The event will include mens, womens and wheelchair rugby league competitions.
Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch said:
I am delighted that England has been chosen to stage the Rugby League World Cup in 2021. The government is investing up to 15 million to put on a world class show and up to a further 10 million into the games infrastructure as part of our Northern Powerhouse agenda and to help rugby league grow outside its traditional home.
The tournament will be a fantastic festival of rugby, enjoyed by a million spectators, and bringing economic benefits to host towns and cities. I look forward to working alongside the RLIF, RFL and UK Sport onan outstanding event.
David Gauke, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said:
It will be fitting to see the Rugby League World Cup brought back to the sports heartlands in the Northern Powerhouse.
Following the success of London 2012, the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and last years Rugby Union World Cup we were delighted to support this bid, alongside providing an additional 10m for Rugby League infrastructure across the North and beyond.
This will once again give the UK a chance to show off its sporting prowess to the world, while inspiring future generations to take up the sport and delivering a boost to local economies.
Chairman of the RFL Brian Barwick said:
The news today that England has won the right to host the Rugby League World Cup in 2021 is transformativefor our sport. Our commitment to grow the game internationally, attract more spectators than ever before and put on the biggest and best event in the sports history has clearly been recognised by the RLIF.