No World Cup matches to be held in Cumbria after stadium plans left in chaos

There will be no games held in Cumbria at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup after Allerdale Council altered plans for a new stadium in Workington.

Officials have been in dialogue with the council, who had successfully bid to host three games, and have now reluctantly had to reveal games will be relocated elsewhere in the north of England.

There had been plans for a new 8,000-capacity stadium to host Workington Town and football counterparts Workington Reds on the site of the football club’s current Borough Park home.

However, a recent local government change has resulted in the proposals being scaled down, and possibly even scrapped altogether, due to the financial risk involved.

RLWC2021 chief executive, Jon Dutton, said: “We’re obviously very disappointed by the news and we do feel that it’s a lost opportunity for West Cumbria.

“Our timelines and requirements from our original bidding process will mean we will now reallocate the three group games and team base camp, which will be announced in due course.

“We wish the council the best of luck with their revised project and I am confident that community clubs across West Cumbria will continue to see the benefits of RLWC2021 via our legacy programme.”