England Bids to Host Rugby League World Cup in 2021

The Rugby Football League (RFL) is bidding for England to host the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

If the bid is successful, twelve stadiums across the country will be selected from a shortlist which will include a variety of Rugby League stadiums and a number of other iconic sporting venues such as Old Trafford, Etihad Stadium, St James’ Park and Wembley.

“The Rugby League World Cup 2021 provides an ideal opportunity for the nation to demonstrate again to a global audience its ability to stage a world class sporting event we all can be proud of. It will top off a superb decade of incredible sporting events held in this country that began in 2012 with the London Olympics,” said RFL Chairman, Brian Barwick. “I am proud to present the English bid, that includes plans to host the Women’s and Wheelchair World Cups and one that I think offers Rugby League the best opportunity to grow as a sport both in this country and importantly helping the International Federation to grow the game across the globe.”

Not only would the event attract thousands of Rugby League fans from around the world, but it is also estimated that more than 150 million people would watch the tournament - a perfect opportunity for local tourism bodies to promote their city and region to a global audience.

The host country for the 2021 tournament, which will grow in size to 16 teams and 31 games, will be decided by the Rugby League International Federation in Autumn.

England last hosted the Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

See also: Hosting an international sporting event can give a major boost to a country's tourism industry, as well as its economy - at both a macro, and a micro level. Watch the HD video interview with the General Manager of a 5-star hotel in Hong Kong to learn how the world-famous Sevens tournament impacts his hotel and the city as a whole.

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