RFL look for World Cup hosts

Interest in the Rugby League World Cup, due to be staged in the United Kingdom in 2013, is starting to gather momentum with the RFL informing cities and towns across the country about the tender process in becoming a hosting partner.

Critical to the successful delivery of the tournament will be the selection of appropriate host venues across the British Isles.  The RFL will be initiating a tendering process to select these host venues early in 2011.

Commenting on the selection process the RFL’s Director of Events and Projects Sally Bolton said:

“Previous World Cups staged in the UK, particularly in 1995 and 2000, saw many of the host cities and towns benefit from a positive economic and social impact in their area. We want to build on that success and intend to stage the best World Cup to date. To do this we will be seeking enthusiastic host towns and cities who will work with us to bring the tournament to life through connecting with communities.

“There will be opportunities to host individual matches as well as team camps and to build a programme of associated events and activities around the tournament that will deliver a long term legacy for both the sport of Rugby League and the areas that will become event hosts.”

The RFL will stage a series of seminars early next year to explain more about the tournament and how towns and cities can benefit from becoming hosting partners.

“A successful host venue will have a wonderful chance to showcase themselves and become a focal point for sporting, cultural and entertainment events in their respective area,” added Bolton. “Being a World Cup host will generate pride, prestige and create a ‘feel good’ factor around the area.”

The UK won the right to stage the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in July 2009. The tournament will play host to 14 nations – taking place from October 26 to November 30 and will be broadcast in over 120 countries around the world.