The Council is delighted to announce that Hull is a host city for the Rugby League World Cup 2021!
Hull City Council bid to be a Rugby League World Cup 2021 host city with the ambition of making the matches the most diversely attended in Rugby League history in the city.
RLWC2021 have today announced that Hull will host a group game and a quarter-final game.
In 2021, 32 teams will compete in 64 games, with the tournament promising to be one of the most inclusive and diverse events ever hosted in England, promoting the three disciplines of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.
Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism, Councillor Dave Craker said:
“In bidding to be a host city we were very clear that we want the match days to be a fantastic event for the whole city and something which all of our residents can enjoy. We hope to see the most diverse audience there has ever been and will be planning a varied mix of entertainment to provide vibrant match days to remember. We will be working with partners, including Back to Ours, whose events were so popular during 2017.
“We also want visitors to experience all the city has to offer, and our local businesses will, in turn, reap the economic benefits.”
In the run-up to the tournament, planning will have a focus on encouraging audiences who have never been to see rugby league, to come along to the games and try a new experience.
Councillor Craker continued:
“Hull audiences have shown over the last few years that they are open to new experiences and are willing to try anything given the right access. Equally, visitors now know that they will get a great experience in our warm and welcoming city.”
Back to Ours Director Louise Yates said;
”This is great news for the city.
‘Back to Ours is about bringing people together, and we’re really excited to get stuck into working with more communities in the lead up to the Rugby League World Cup. We’ll be creating some unforgettable experiences, complementing the tournament by combining the arts and sports – who knows what could happen?!”
Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said:
“We are delighted that Hull will play a key role in the tournament as we stage two games at the KCOM stadium, including a men’s quarter-final. The partners have displayed a great commitment to the Rugby League World Cup and we look forward to working in partnership on a cultural programme, along with making plans to welcome the world to Hull.”
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 is being built to leave a long-lasting legacy that celebrates the heritage of the sport and increases visibility, participation and interest in rugby league on a global scale.
The tournament will be held in October and November 2021.
