Free events and exhibitions planned for Rugby League World Cup

Article date: 13 October

Tipped to be the biggest Rugby League World Cup yet, organisers are aiming to bring in record crowds, with three men's group fixtures held at Saints 18,000 capacity Totally Wicked, voted the third best rugby league world stadium in the world.    

This Friday will see the launch of Hands Across the Globe, a five-week long exhibition at the World of Glass Museum featuring a display of international caps and match-worn jerseys; front covers from the iconic Australian magazine, Rugby League World; photographic reviews of the 1928 and 1932 England tours of Australia - as well as a timeline review of Saints players who have been involved in a Rugby League World Cup - all provided by the Saints Heritage Society.    

With the women's and wheelchair competitions joining the men's in a single celebratory event at this year's World Cup, a special exhibition will be held at Chester Lane Library to celebrate 25 years of women's international rugby league and inspire the next generation of female players.    

Running from 17-27 October, Life with the Lionesses is a motivational exhibition, from 'Women in Rugby League', to raise awareness of the incredible role models who pioneered women's international rugby league, showcasing their ground-breaking journey on and off the field, bringing their stories and experiences to life from the women themselves.    

A launch event will be held at Chester Lane Library on Monday 17 October at 4pm.    

Chester Lane Library will also be hosting a free screening of Power Meri - an award-winning documentary following Papua New Guinea's first national women's rugby league team, the PNG Orchids, on their journey to the 2017 World Cup in Australia on Wednesday 26 October at 2pm.   

To book please see Eventbrite  or call 01744 671748.   

Meanwhile, Parish Church will be housing a pictorial exhibition relating to international rugby league and the World Cup from 18 October to 21 November, including the life story of the former Curate, Christopher Chavasse, who played on the wing for Saints before the First World War, eventually becoming the Bishop of Rochester.    

Then on Thursday 20 October also part of Cultural Hubs, join the makers of the Forty20Live podcast, Richard Shaw-Wright and Phil Caplan, with special guests for free live podcast show at Chester Lane Library from 6:00pm.    

Talking points will be all the action from the first week of the men's tournament, as well as looking forward to kick-off of the women's and wheelchair tournaments.    

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said:     

 "As a hotbed of rugby league, being home to history-making Saints who recently became the first team to win four Super League Grand Finals in a row, with the women's team winning back-to-back Challenge Cups - as well as a number of quality grassroots clubs - the sport of rugby league runs deep here and is a vital part of the borough's heritage.    

"We're looking forward to showcasing that with these fascinating events and exhibitions which will certainly give a flavour of what's to come as we look forward to welcoming some of the biggest stars in the game here to St Helens Borough as we play our part in one of the biggest sporting events in the world."    

For more information, including how to book a free place for the Forty20Live podcast, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/rlwc