Six Yorkshire locations selected to host Rugby League World Cup
Six locations across Yorkshire have been selected to host matches at the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
With around 87% of the tournament’s games to be held in the North of England, Yorkshire is set to stage fixtures in Doncaster, Kirklees, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York.
Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP said: “The Rugby League World Cup 2021 will firmly put the Northern Powerhouse on the world stage and I am proud we are a partner in this landmark event.
“Thousands of visitors will come from far and wide to enjoy the games and organisers predict the tournament will deliver £75 million of economic benefit to the UK through tourism and opportunities for local businesses, with a significant amount coming to cities and regions of the Northern Powerhouse.”
The KCOM Stadium in Hull will host two men’s games, including a quarter-final match, and Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium has also been awarded a quarter-final fixture.
Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium will also stage three men’s games, while Sheffield will play host to one match at Bramhall Lane as well as a wheelchair fixture at EIS Sheffield.
Leeds will host more games than any other city in the region, including a men’s semi-final at Elland Road, three matches at Headingley, and two women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final games.
In addition, York has been selected to host women’s group games and both semi-finals.
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 will mark the third time the tournament has been held exclusively in England.
The 2021 event will also see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time, culminating in a Finals Weekend on 27-28 November.
Sir Gary Verity DL, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Yorkshire’s reputation for hosting global events has never been stronger and I am delighted that our county will once again welcome the world in 2021.
“As the county is the birthplace of Rugby League and it’s great news that Leeds has more games than any other city in the UK. It’s brilliant to see Yorkshire once again leading the way for women’s sport with York being one of the main hubs for the women’s Rugby League World Cup 2021.”
Jon Dutton, chief executive of Rugby League World Cup 2021, added: “We can’t wait to welcome fans from all over the world and show them the beauty of Yorkshire, as well as hosting some exciting matches.”
“Fans of rugby league in Yorkshire will no doubt be delighted with today’s announcement. The county is a stronghold for the sport and we know that the fans will provide an incredible atmosphere at each of the venues.”
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and excited that Leeds has been named as a host city for the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
“The game of rugby league is woven into the very fabric of our city, and we are looking forward to once again showcasing Leeds to sports fans from across the globe through the world cup matches, that will be played at our famous and iconic Headingley and Elland Road stadiums. To have the opportunity to also host one of the semi-finals is tremendous and something we are really looking forward to.
“As we enter what promises to be an extraordinary year of sporting events in Leeds, this announcement is another example of our city’s growing world-class reputation for hosting world-class international events.”
