THE bid for Warrington to become a host town at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup has officially been submitted.
Warrington hope to host three games in the men’s competition, including a quarter-final, as well as a showpiece women’s final.
It has also put itself forward as a potential team base camp, training venue and for a festival of rugby league.
The “Back the Bid” campaign for Warrington was officially launched at the Halliwell Jones Stadium prior to the Super League game against Catalans last month.
The submission of the bid completes stage one of a three stage bidding process, with a decision due to be announced on August 20 on which towns and cities are going through to the next stage.
The bid states: “Warrington is a Rugby League town. It is in our DNA. We are home to one of Rugby League’s longest established and most successful clubs, Warrington Wolves, playing their games at a modern, purpose-built international-class venue, the Halliwell Jones Stadium located within walking distance of the town centre, transport hubs and key attractions.
“We are also a town of innovators and pioneers. Our quiet pride and dogged determination has seen us grow to become an economic gem in the Northern Powerhouse. Warrington has a unique spirit – where community, warmth and friendliness sit side-by-side with ambition and enterprise. Everyone is welcome in Warrington. This spirit has shaped our bid.
“Warrington is fairly unique in that the focal point for sports lovers is its Rugby League club – unlike most other towns and cities whose football teams garner the most attention.”
During the next stage, members of the RLWC2021 team will visit Warrington and the bid team will be asked to formalise the hosting proposals.
The final decision is expected to be made by the end of January 2019.
Professor Steven Broomhead, chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and vice chairman at Warrington Wolves, said: “The Rugby League World Cup in Warrington will bring about excitement and community solidarity. It will also create positive and sustainable economic and social wellbeing impacts – please back our bid!”
At the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, the Halliwell Jones Stadium hosted a group match between New Zealand and Samoa, as well as a quarter-final between Samoa and Fiji.
