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England Chosen Over U.S./Canada As Host Of 2021 Rugby League World Cup

England will host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup "after being selected ahead of a rival bid" from the U.S. and Canada, according to the BBC. It will be "the biggest edition" since '00, with 16 teams and 31 matches. England last hosted the competition in '13. The Rugby Football League received £25M ($30.4M) from central government to support its bid and plans to stage 80% of games in Lancashire and Yorkshire. It also proposed "showpiece fixtures" in London, the Midlands and the north east of the country. The Rugby League Int'l Federation has recommended that the '25 tournament be staged in North America "as it attempts to increase the global appeal of the sport." The American-Canadian joint bid aims to stage the competition outside Australasia and Europe for the first time since it began in '54 (BBC, 10/27). The PA reported the RFL "got the nod" ahead of the U.S., largely "on the back of playing numbers and heavy government backing." RLIF CEO David Collier said, "England staged an outstanding World Cup in 2013 and have clearly outlined their vision for the 2021 World Cup as a world-class event eclipsing the attendances, reach and legacy of 2013." The bid by North America was submitted on behalf of both the U.S. and Canada by Australian businessman Jason Moore, who runs Sydney-based Moore Sports Int'l. Moore had pledged to hand over £10M ($12.18M) at the end of the first tournament to be held outside the game’s traditional areas and "help lay down firm roots" for the game in North America, which will host professional rugby league from next May when Toronto plays in the Kingstone Press League 1 competition. Collier: "The RLIF sees a great future for the sport in North America and has recommended that discussions with MSI are expedited to bring professional rugby league to North America as well as future international tournaments" (PA, 10/27).

'GROUNDBREAKING DAY': Moore said of the recommendation that the '25 event be held in North America, "This is a groundbreaking day for the global development and expansion of Rugby League. As this will be the first time the Rugby League World Cup is held in North America, it represents not only a great catalyst for junior and elite development in the region but an opportunity to showcase Rugby League at the highest level, to a passionate and lucrative sports audience ... I commend the RLIF Board on their insight and innovative approach" (MSI).

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