Newcastle in line to be a host city for 2021 World Cup

St James’ Park and Kingston Park are in the running to be host venues for the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

The tournament is the pinnacle event in the rugby league calendar and it comes around every four years. The 2021 World Cup will be a breakthrough tournament, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup’s all being staged together for the first time.

Newcastle has been shortlisted from 28 cities across the country that applied to become a host, where the city will look to focus on the men’s and wheelchair fixtures during the tournament.

If successful, the city could host games at St James’ Park and Kingston Park, with the wheelchair games being at the Eagles Community Arena.

Cllr Kim McGuinness, cabinet member for culture, sport and public health at Newcastle City Council said: “It’s excellent news that our bid to host Rugby League World Cup matches has been shortlisted.

“We’ve built a really strong reputation for hosting fantastic rugby events in the Newcastle, both league and union.

“Last year we hosted our fourth Super League Magic Weekend, an event that’s grown year on year and has attracted fans from across the UK and Europe as well as growing massive local support for the sport.

“With this great track record, we’re both excited and optimistic about the next part of the bid. We’re asking everyone to get behind us and back our bid to have this great event in Newcastle in 2021.”

Newcastle City Council will be working with partners including Newcastle Rugby Foundation, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and Newcastle United Football Club.