The UAE "is planning an audacious bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup," according to the PA.
UAE Rugby League President Sol Mokdad said that while the sport is in its infancy in the Middle East, the UAE government "is keen to boost the country’s international profile." Mokdad believes the UAE "has the facilities, as well as the financial backing and infrastructure, to host the World Cup." He said, "This is an ideal location for a World Cup. It is exactly between Australia and the U.K., there is always talk in the media about the big events being hosted in Dubai." The World Cup "has only ever been hosted by the major countries" -- Australia, New Zealand, France and Great Britain (PA, 4/18).
THE FIRST STEP: In Abu Dhabi, Paul Radley reported UAE Rugby League "will host its first official international fixture when Lebanon and South Africa vie for World Cup qualification at Dubai Sports City in October." The UAERF "had also hoped to enter a side in a three-team, Middle East and Africa (MEA) qualifying competition for the right to take the eight berth at the 2017 tournament in Australia and New Zealand." The fixture "will be played at the end of October, at the rugby centre at Sports City, which staged the opening round of the UAE Nissan Rugby League Cup at the weekend" (THE NATIONAL, 4/19).
