The New Zealand government "will contribute money" to the country's bid to host the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup, but "how much will depend on discussions with New Zealand Rugby." Sport & Recreation Minister Grant Robertson said that "he saw winning the hosting rights as a priority." The bidding countries -- Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Portugal and Wales -- have until mid-August to submit bids (STUFF, 6/27).
The Irish Premiership's traditional season-opening Charity Shield match "will not be played this year." The game between Crusaders and Coleraine was due to be played on July 28 but cannot be staged because of the clubs' involvement in European competition (BBC, 6/27).
The Insomnia Gaming Festival, a recurring LAN event in the U.K., will "soon expand to other countries with the intention of becoming a global brand." The first Int'l Insomnia event will take place in Cairo this October, with further events planned in Dubai for '19. According to GAME Esports & Events, Saudi Arabia, South America and Australia are next on the list for expansion. The company signed multi-year agreements with The Global Event Management Group and BME Global Ltd. to help launch these new Insomnia events outside of the U.K. (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 6/26).
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