RFL welcomes government support for 2021 World Cup bid

The RFL have responded positively to an announcement by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, which promised government support for a UK bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

The 2013 World Cup, staged in the UK, Ireland and France, was judged to be a success, with 450,000 spectators watching 14 nations compete across 21 venues.

“We are delighted that the RFL’s interest in bidding for the Rugby League World Cup has government support,” said RFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

“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.”