Full 61-match schedule confirmed for World Cup
World Cup organisers have confirmed the full schedule for next year’s tournament taking place in England.
Wigan’s DW Stadium has been added to the list of venues for the revised schedule. As a result, it will now host one of the men’s quarter-final as well as a women’s group game between England and Canada on November 5.
The double-header was pencilled in to take place at Anfield but it was unavailable due in 2022 due to maintenance work on the stadium. The wheelchair final, which was due to be held at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, will now be held at Manchester Central.
Manchester will be the venue for all three finals. Old Trafford will host a men’s and women’s double-header on November 19.
LIST: Rugby League World Cup fixtures – date-by-date by tournament
The only other amendment to the schedule involves a fixture swap. The opening group game between Australia and Fiji on October 15 will be staged at Headingley. This is due to a clash with an event in Hull. In return, the MKM Stadium will host New Zealand’s match with Jamaica on October 22.
Newcastle to stage World Cup opener
The five-week tournament will kick off as planned at St James’ Park in Newcastle on October 15. It will start with the opening ceremony, followed by hosts England taking on Samoa.
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and Elland Road will host the men’s semi-finals.
The women’s tournament opens at Headingley on November 1. Furthermore, a double-header at London’s Copper Box kicks off the wheelchair event on November 3.
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Jon Dutton on delivering “biggest and best” World Cup
World Cup chief executive Jon Dutton said: “We have achieved our objective in delivering minimal disruption to the existing 61-match schedule. I want to place on record my thanks to all those who have made it possible.
“Every host town and city who joined us on this journey remains involved and they will set the stage for the very best that the sport has to offer.
“There are world-class, compelling matches, across all three tournaments at some of the most iconic venues across England.
“We’re delighted to make tickets available to purchase again. Supporters can now look forward to being part of this unique global event.
“With match dates and locations confirmed, the excitement will only intensify as we look to the horizon and the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup.”
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In addition, organisers have pledged to make the 16th World Cup the biggest and best ever.
Australia and New Zealand are among the 32 teams to fully commit to the tournament in 2022.
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