Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers on schedule to deliver trailblazing tournament – with eight matches to be hosted in York

• RLWC2021 organisers have confirmed that they will deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup in October and November 2021
• York will host eight women’s tournament fixtures, including both women’s semi-finals at the LNER Community Stadium
• To mark the 100-day countdown to the opening match of the tournament between hosts England and Samoa at St James’ Park, Newcastle, all remaining tickets will go on sale today via rlwc2021.com/tickets
• To celebrate the 100 days to go 100 tickets for York matches are available to win on visityork.org/rlwc2021

Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers today (15 July) confirmed that the trailblazing event will go ahead as scheduled in October and November 2021 with eight women’s tournament fixtures, including both women’s semi-finals at the LNER Community Stadium.

With 100 days to go until the opening match of the tournament, tickets are now back on general sale via rlwc2021.com/tickets. In celebration of the countdown there are also 100 tickets available to win by taking part in Visit York’s competition on visityork.org/rlwc2021.

The global event, which sees the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments taking place simultaneously for the first time, will be played in front of passionate capacity crowds in a celebration of sport.

At a pivotal moment for the international Rugby League, tournament organisers have worked relentlessly to provide certainty and clarity by tackling the significant challenges presented by the pandemic. Organisers have successfully delivered record sponsorship deals, including a domestic broadcast deal which means all matches will be live across BBC platforms, and have sold significant overseas broadcast rights.

At the same time, ticket sales have so far exceeded expectations and the positive social contribution to communities, including some of those hardest hit by the pandemic has been extensive.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said:

“We are delighted to be able to provide clarity and certainty to fans, players, partners, media and those that have supported our journey over the past few years. We have an overwhelming desire to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup and through our determination and decisiveness we will be able to achieve this vision.

“We recognise there are still many challenges ahead, but we will work relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage the tournament in 100 days time.

“Despite the adversity we have faced, we have never lost sight of our core purpose of making a positive impact on people’s lives. Our social impact programme has and will continue to be a beacon of much needed positivity and hope in communities across England.

“We have no doubt that the Rugby League family, along with the 20,021 key workers we have invited, the many fans who will see the action live in the stadiums across England and the millions watching around the world will be part of a unifying celebration of sport and humanity.”

Councillor Darryl Smalley, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:

“We are delighted that the 2021 Rugby League World Cup will be coming to York later this year, giving us something to really look forward to as a city. The line-up of games at the LNER Community Stadium looks set to offer some fantastic entertainment for residents and visitors as we welcome world-class athletes to our city.”

Jon Flatman, Chairman of York City Knights said:

“The excitement is really building now with just 100 days to go until the Rugby League World Cup 2021 tournament begins. The tournament has a huge global reach and a strong community-led approach and it’s such a brilliant event for York and the sport more widely. We are looking forward to welcoming players and fans to the city to be a part of sporting history this November!”

Charlotte Hawes, Events Manager at Make It York said:

“Reaching the 100 days milestone is hugely exciting and we can’t wait for the tournament to come to York later this year. The last year has been challenging for everyone and it’s brilliant to see live events on this scale returning to the city. The tournament will provide a real boost to York, bringing some of the biggest names in the sport here to experience the city’s world class offer.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“As we reach 100 days to go, the anticipation is building with Rugby League’s biggest competition coming back to England.”

“After the challenges of the past 18 months where the positive impact of Rugby League in communities has shone through, the moment when the men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams take to the pitch will be a watershed moment for both the sport and the country.”

“I’m delighted that fans can look forward to a festival of Rugby League that promises to inspire new fans and grow the grassroots, and the Government has been pleased to play its part in supporting this incredible inclusive event.”

York will host six women’s group stage fixtures, and both semi-finals:

• New Zealand vs France – Wednesday 10 November at 17:00
• Australia vs Cook Islands – Wednesday 10 November at 19:30
• New Zealand vs Cook Islands – Sunday 14 November at 17:00
• Australia vs France – Sunday 14 November at 19:30
• France vs Cook Islands – Thursday 18 November at 17:00
• Australia vs New Zealand – Thursday 18 November at 19:30
• Semi-final 1: Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-Up – Monday 22 November at 17:00
• Semi-final 2: Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-Up – Monday 22 November at 19:30

For more information visit visityork.org/rlwc2021

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Rugby League World Cup 2021

The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle major event of rugby league, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time.

The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups.

RLWC2021 will be the most visible rugby league event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.

Vision: Delivering the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup.

Mission: Creating inspirational moments that excite, engage, and leave a long-lasting legacy.

Make It York
Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally – as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, festivals and events, business support and inward investment.

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executive
Email: ana.ignatova@makeityork.com