Yorkshire fixtures revealed for Rugby League World Cup 2021

The full fixture schedule for the The Rugby League World Cup 2021 in England has now been revealed, with cities and towns in Yorkshire set to reap the rewards of hosting many of the games.

Organisers say this promises to be the biggest and best World Cup in the history of the sport, as the men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams are all competing at the same time in a sporting first.

Leeds will be hosting eight fixtures between 24 October and 19 November, split across Emerald Headingley Stadium and Elland Road.

These will include three women’s World Cup games and the men’s semi-final at Elland Road on Friday 19 November.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are now excited to have such a strong set of fixtures confirmed for us as one of the host cities for the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

“People across Leeds will be able to see the men’s teams from Ireland, Jamaica and New Zealand as well as the women’s teams from Brazil, Canada, England and Papua New Guinea play in our iconic Emerald Headingley Stadium and Elland Road.”

Sheffield will be hosting nine fixtures, with the English Institute of Sport playing a key role in the wheelchair tournament.

This venue will host both of the wheelchair tournaments semi-finals on 21 November.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the only England men’s game in Yorkshire, against Greece who will enjoy their first experience of the tournament here in Sheffield.

“And, with games including current champions France, against third ranking Wales, the wheelchair group matches look set to be full of anticipation and tension.”

York will host eight fixtures at the LNER Community Stadium, all in the women’s tournament, starting off with New Zealand vs France.

Doncaster will accommodate three matches at the Keepmoat Stadium, starting with France vs Greece on Monday 25 October.

Hull is to also host three Rugby League World Cup 2021 matches – all at the KCOM Stadium. Hull’s games will kick off with Australia vs Fiji on 23 October.

And Kirklees will host one fixture, but an important one in the men’s quarter-final. This will see the winner of Group B take on the runner up of Group C at Huddersfield’s John Smith’s Stadium on 12 November.