Sheffield bid to host 2021 World Cup games at Bramall Lane takes positive strides

A joint bid to bring Rugby League World Cup fixtures to Sheffield in 2021 is a step closer to becoming reality.

The steel city has successfully progressed to the candidate stage of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Organisers of the tournament have confirmed that Sheffield’s joint bid from Sheffield City Council, Sheffield United, SIV and Sheffield Eagles has passed the first stage of the selection process.

It means some of the world’s top teams could be playing at Sheffield United FC’s Bramall Lane when the tournament comes to England in the autumn of 2021.

It could also mean that games in the Ladies and Wheelchair competitions will be played at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and the English Institute of Sport Sheffield.  In addition, the city could be hosting one of the competing teams.

Councillor Mary Lea, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure said: “Following on so quickly from the Football Association’s announcement of Sheffield’s key role in its Women’s UEFA Euro championship bid, this is further evidence of Sheffield’s ambition and status as a world class destination for all sport.

“The Rugby League World Cup is a very high-profile, global event, and the rewards of a successful bid could be very substantial, not only in terms of the economic returns, but also in terms of the huge boost to development of the city’s Rugby League traditions, and in terms of the inspiration we know that top flight sport in Sheffield provides to all our citizens, but particularly to young people.

“We are proud to be playing our part as a council in backing the bid.”

RLWC2021 officials will now make site visits to the city’s facilities and write an assessment report review. A final decision on the host venues will be made in January 2019.