North England has been chosen as the stronghold for staging the Rugby League World Cup in 2021. The English Rugby Football League organizers were able to meet the organization’s requirements with ease, thanks to a government funding of twenty-five million pounds. The tournament will feature a total of 31 matches, with two set to take place in Sheffield in the South, including the Semifinal at Emirates Stadium.
The previous organization of the league in 2013, managed by the RFL, was considered successful and included venues spread across Wales, France, England, and Ireland. One of the eye-catching venues for this year’s event is Elland Road in Leeds, where the semifinal will be held.
The finals of the tournament will be hosted at Old Trafford, a venue that attracted a record crowd of 74,468 during the 2013 finals between New Zealand and Australia. This year, for the first time, the women’s, men’s, and wheelchair tournaments will be held simultaneously, with the men’s final taking place at Old Trafford and the women’s final in a doubleheader with the men’s final. The draw for the tournament will take place on November 27th, just before the finals.
Approximately 80% of the tournament’s organization is concentrated in North England. Coventry will also host matches, with sixteen teams set to compete in Bolton, including Warrington, Leigh, Workington, Middlesbrough, Leeds, St. Helens, Sheffield, and Hull. The League has scheduled various match programs regardless of gender, promising an exciting and well-organized event with lots of fun for all.
