The 2021 Rugby League World Cup is being described as a “breakthrough moment” for the sport with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments all taking place at the same time.
Starting on 23 October and finishing on 27 November 2021, there will be a total of 61 matches played in six weeks at different venues across England.
The men’s Rugby League World Cup begins on 23 October with host nation England taking on Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle. And the women’s competition begins on 9 November with a double-header – England vs. Brazil and Papua New Guinea vs. Canada – at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
There will also be a double-header for the start of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup with Spain vs. Norway and England vs. Australia at The Copper Box Arena in London on 11 November.
Manchester United FC’s Old Trafford stadium will make rugby league history by hosting both the men’s and women’s World Cup finals in a double-header on 27 October. M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool will host the wheelchair World Cup final on 26 November.
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How the tourism industry can get involved
Tourism Exchange Great Britain (TXGB) has announced a partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) to create a booking platform for host destinations.
In a statement TXGB said: “RLWC2021 is coming to England and we’re offering all tourism suppliers in the host destinations, and the surrounding areas, the opportunity to sell their products via the official RLWC2021 Squad Trips online platform.
“Connecting to Tourism Exchange GB is the only way to get your product in front of the thousands of fans booking tickets for RLWC2021 matches. With a commission rate of just 7.5%, it offers fantastic exposure and a low commission booking channel.”
Accommodation, attractions and activity providers based in and around the host locations, or surrounding areas, can benefit from the platform. There is no cost to join TXGB and providers pay 7.5% commission to RLWC2021, and a 2.5% booking fee to TXGB, each time a booking is made.
About the Rugby League World Cup 2021
- What: men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments
- When: 23 October to 27 November 2021
- Where: England
- Number of matches: 61
- Website: rlwc2021.com
Which stadiums will the games be played at?
- Bolton: University of Bolton Stadium
- Coventry: Ricoh Arena
- Doncaster: The Keepmoat Stadium
- Hull: The KCOM Stadium
- Kirklees: John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield
- Leeds: Elland Road and Emerald Headingley Stadium
- Liverpool: Anfield, M&S Bank Arena
- London: Emirates Stadium and The Copper Box Arena
- Manchester: Old Trafford,
- Newcastle: St James’ Park and Kingston Park
- Sheffield: Bramall Lane and The EIS Sheffield
- St Helens: Totally Wicked Stadium
- Tees Valley: The Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough
- Warrington: Halliwell Jones Stadium
- Wigan and Leigh: Leigh Sports Village
- York: LNER Community Stadium
Ticket information
Priority access sale officially opened for Rugby League World Cup tickets on 21 September. Fans can still sign up to be part of the priority access sale and purchase tickets until the close of the window on 1 October, see rlwc2021.com/signup
RLWC2021 organisers confirmed that tickets had been purchased for every one of the 61 matches at next year’s showpiece event.
Jon Dutton, chief executive of RLWC2021, said: “At the end of the first week of ticket sales for #rlwc2021 it is a good time to reflect. We have exceeded our own expectations and are humbled by the many people that have made a pledge to support the tournament.
“At a time when people’s lives have been affected, and in some instances turned upside down by the pandemic, it is heartening to think of better times when live sport can return in front of full crowds.
“Time with family and friends creating memories is the very essence of what live sports events are for so many. The events industry has been hit so hard by the pandemic and we are thankful that thus far we have weathered the storm and remain relentlessly positive, optimistic and hopeful.”
Main image credit: Rugby League World Cup 2021