Rugby League World Cup Confirmed for 2021

Rugby League players It has been confirmed that the Rugby League World Cup is to go ahead this year.

This decision has now been taken by the organisers following uncertainty over the event in the light of the recent surge in Covid cases.

For the first time in RLWC history the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will take place together in 2021.

All 61 matches of the tournament will be played at 21 venues across England between 23rd October and 27th November.

Old Trafford will host the finals of both the men’s and women’s tournament while M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool will host the wheelchair final.

Whilst the event had been in some doubt due to the current surge in Covid-19 cases there was also resistance from Australia's NRL clubs amid concerns over travel and quarantine restrictions resulting in calls for the event to be postponed to 2022.

Jon Dutton, chief executive of Rugby League World Cup 2021, said: "We are delighted to be able to provide clarity and certainty to fans, players, partners, media and those that have supported our journey over the past few years.

"We have an overwhelming desire to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup and through our determination and decisiveness we will be able to achieve this vision.

"We recognise there are still many challenges ahead, but we will work relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage the tournament in 100 days time."



Both the England and Australia teams will be based in Manchester for the event, while the France team will be based in Bolton and Lebanon will be based in Leigh.

It will be the first time that the men's, women's and wheelchair competitions will be held simultaneously, with organisers hoping for capacity crowds during the event.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "As we reach 100 days to go, the anticipation is building with rugby league's biggest competition coming back to England.

"After the challenges of the past 18 months where the positive impact of Rugby League in communities has shone through, the moment when the men's, women's and wheelchair teams take to the pitch will be a watershed moment for both the sport and the country.

"I'm delighted that fans can look forward to a festival of rugby league that promises to inspire new fans and grow the grassroots, and the Government has been pleased to play its part in supporting this incredible inclusive event."

Organisers have reported ticket sales so far exceeding expectations and claim there has already been an extensive positive social contribution made to the communities involved, including some of those hardest hit by the pandemic.

The tournament will kick off on October 23rd when England face Samoa at Newcastle's St James' Park, with all 61 games being televised.

Aerial image of the Old Trafford stadium

Old Trafford will host the finals of both the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cup 2021 tournament.