The RFL welcome the announcement today by Chancellor George Osborne that the Government will support a bid by the UK for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Speaking following the announcement, RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood, said: “We are delighted that the RFL’s interest in bidding for the Rugby League World Cup has government support.
“The UK has a deserved reputation for staging world class events and the RFL has demonstrated its own ability to deliver in recent years. We believe with the right level of national support, up to and including the World Cup in 2021, there is a real opportunity to build further on the successful 2013 World Cup and move the sport onto a new level, delivering an unprecedented event that showcases Rugby League to the whole world.
“Bringing another world class sporting tournament to the UK will undoubtedly excite the entire nation and we will work with partners to ensure that if the UK is to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, it will be the biggest and best ever staged.”
More than 450,000 fans attended the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, in which 14 nations competed in 21 venues across the United Kingdom. That competition, which was broadcast in more than 140 countries around the world was won by Australia after hosts England were narrowly defeated by a last minute try against New Zealand in the semi-final.
The decision by the Government to support a bid, follows a successful 2015 International Series in which England beat the number one team in the world New Zealand in front of more than 90,000 spectators at Hull, London and Wigan.
