Preston to host a Rugby League World Cup 2021 team
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has chosen Preston to be a training base for the international sporting event, set to take place in two years’ time.
The tournament will see England welcome world-class athletes performing on rugby league’s biggest stage, and the city said it is proud to play such an important role.
Excitingly, the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be one of the most inclusive and diverse sporting events hosted in England, promoting the three simultaneous disciplines of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions.
Preston City Council and partners, including the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Preston Marriott, have combined forces to produce a successful bid for Preston to be a training base for the tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.
Chief Executive of Rugby League World Cup 2021, Jon Dutton said: “Preston City Council, along with the University of Central Lancashire and its partners, put together an incredibly impressive bid to be a training base during the tournament.
“The facilities on offer for the teams is fantastic and it’s great to know that the teams will have everything at their disposal to support their performance and make this the best Rugby League World Cup ever.”
The RLWC2013 set new records for economic impact and media reach that organisers predict will be smashed again at England 2021.
An expanded event footprint will attract more live spectators, encourage domestic tourism and longer overseas visitor stays, all of which Preston will have the opportunity to engage with through its involvement.
Mayor of Preston, Cllr Trevor Hart said: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host city for a Rugby League World Cup 2021 training camp.
“Preston is perfectly located for fans and teams to access game locations across England, and has a proven track record with hosting international teams, thanks to the University of Central Lancashire’s state of the art facilities.
“This is a great opportunity for the city and we hope that Prestonians – current and future rugby fans alike – embrace our role in the Rugby League World Cup 2021.”
