Warrington to host a ‘world first’ as part of RL World Cup 2021

WARRINGTON has been successful in its bid to be a host for the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
The outcome, announced live this morning means that Warrington will play host to three men’s group games and, for the first time, a Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup, separate to the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments.
Paul Taylor, chairman of Warrington’s Rugby League World Cup task group, said: “I’m delighted with the outcome of our bid and the prospect that Warrington will once again play its part hosting the sport’s biggest competition on the world stage.
“The bid process for the tournament was hugely competitive and a record number of 80 applications were submitted. Although we’ve missed out on the chance to host the women’s final, to have been rewarded with three men’s games and the exciting prospect of hosting the first ever Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup is an unbelievable opportunity for our town.”
Warrington’s initial bid was based on legacy and the long-lasting community benefits the tournament will bring. The bid submitted by the task group explored the social, health, educational and cultural benefits that being a host town would create, alongside a Warrington-wide celebration of Rugby League.
Borough Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “Warrington’s business, sporting, community and cultural leaders worked together on a fantastic bid that really showcased our town’s rugby league credentials, and our ambitions to inspire a future generation of supporters and players. I’m delighted that this work has culminated in the World Cup coming back to our town in 2021.
“Hosting this most prestigious competition once again will bring huge benefits to Warrington.  It will boost our local economy, it will bring communities together, it will raise our sporting and cultural profile, and it will enable us to create new Rugby League stories that will be shared on the global stage.”
Professor Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the council and vice chairman at Warrington Wolves, explained: “The heart of our bid focused on the social, sporting and economic opportunities and benefits that being a host could bring to our town and beyond.  Today’s announcement is fantastic news for our town and the sport of rugby league.
“I’m particularly looking forward to hosting the PDRL World Cup. We have key partners such as Warrington Disability Partnership and Wolves Foundation who have long since been disability champions and whose community impacts have been immense. And, with Warrington Wolves PDRL team winning the World Club Challenge against South Sydney Rabbitohs last year, it’s fitting that we have been picked to host the first PDRL World Cup tournament in 2021.
“We want to play a part in making sure the World Cup in 2021 is the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League tournament ever. The opportunity for us to host a world first Physical Disability World Cup is the cherry on top of an already mouth-watering cake!”
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be the sixteenth staging of the World Cup and will be held in October and November 2021. Warrington’s hopes of also providing a team base camp are yet to be announced.
For more information about Warrington’s World Cup bid, visit https://www.warrington.gov.uk/rlwc2021