100 days to go until record-breaking Rugby League World Cup begins

Article date: 7 July 2022

The 100-day milestone sees excitement for the trailblazing World Cup continue to rise with this Autumn's tournament breaking new ground in staging a record-breaking 61 matches across three competitions simultaneously for the very first time.

They will be held across 18 Host towns and cities - meaning more matches in more places than ever before. The tournament has also smashed the record for the number of tickets sold for an England-based Women's Rugby League World Cup fixture with the opening match at Headingley between England and tournament debutantes Brazil having already sold over 5,000 tickets.

In addition to a record-breaking sponsorship programme, hospitality sales have exceeded any previous Rugby League World Cup while families can purchase tickets from just £2.21 for Under 16s making it great value for all. RLWC2021 Chief Executive, Jon Dutton, said:

"With just 100 days to go until the Rugby League World Cup starts at St James' Park it's incredibly exciting to be in the final phase of preparation for what is set to be the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history. "The interest in the tournament and demand for tickets has been great to see, particularly after the disappointment of postponement last year. We are now close to selling out a number of our tournament fixtures, with the interest in women's and wheelchair matches particularly encouraging to see.

"I urge everyone to get behind the tournament and be part of the sport's future history. It is vital we see record attendances across the tournament, witness the best players in the world in action and be part of something truly special."

RLWC2021 is set be a trailblazing tournament with the men's, women's and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time with every second of every one of the 61 matches being broadcast live across BBC platforms.

The tournament will be a truly global celebration of rugby league with teams flying in from all corners of the globe to fight for the opportunity to get their hands on one of the three famous trophies, with the women's competition hosting teams from four different continents for the first time in history.

Councillor Anthony Burns, St Helens Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Culture and Heritage, said: "100 days to go has soon come round and with every passing day, excitement is building in the borough as we prepare to play an important role in the biggest, most inclusive Rugby League World Cup yet. 

"We proved in 2013 what great hosts we are and as we get ready to welcome Tonga and Italy - as well as stage three fantastic men's fixtures at Saint's Totally Wicked Stadium - we're more than ready to do it all over again." 

Rugby League World Cup ambassador, Adam Hills MBE, said: "It's so exciting to be just 100 days away from the World Cup kicking off at St James' Park. The interest in all three tournaments is incredibly encouraging to see, not only from fans of rugby league but in the wider sporting world and media. "In my opinion rugby league is the most exciting sport in the world and I'm looking forward to seeing it showcased on the global stage in October and November."

Fellow Rugby League World Cup ambassador and 1995 finalist with England, Jason Robinson OBE, added: "Rugby League World Cup 2021 has already had a real impact in communities up and down the country before a ball has been kicked or a pass has been thrown and it will be amazing to see how the excitement for the tournament continues to grow between now and the first match. "In a packed sporting calendar I'm more confident than ever that the Rugby League World Cup will be one of the highlights of the year and create fantastic memories for everyone involved."

England and St Helens star Jodie Cunningham, who is expected to take part in her third World Cup said: "Having been part of the England squad at the last two Rugby League World Cup's the prospect of representing your country at the highest level of the sport never gets old. The prospect of doing it at a home World Cup in front of a passionate home crowd is even more mouth-watering.

"RLWC2021 will be a real global celebration of women's sport, one I am hugely looking forward to and one that I am incredibly proud to be a part of. With teams from four different continents competing for the very first time it represents a fantastic opportunity to grow the women's game across the world and encourage more young girls to get involved in rugby league."

Fans can purchase tickets via www.rlwc2021.com/tickets