World Cup postponed

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) and the UK Government have today announced their intention to stage the flagship event in the international Rugby League calendar in 2022.

The extremely difficult decision was taken by the RLWC2021 Board, which includes representation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and the International Rugby League (IRL) Board.

This follows extensive and urgent consultation conducted by RLWC2021 Chief Executive Officer Jon Dutton and his team, which engaged players, competing nations, the Rugby League Players Association (Australia), UK Government, hosts, commercial and broadcast partners.

Speaking about the decision, RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said:

“Reluctantly, we have had to take the very difficult decision to move the staging of the tournament to 2022. This follows the disappointing withdrawals of Australia and New Zealand and the subsequent challenges we have consequently faced.

“Our vision has always been to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup – and we will still do that in 2022. 

“We will work relentlessly to ensure that the tournament and sport of Rugby League has a world class tournament that champions inclusivity with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being held together for the first time ever at a major sporting event.

“We will continue creating positive social change within communities – whether that’s via our multi-million-pound investment in Rugby League facilities or through to our mental fitness charter, which aims to reduce suicide rates in young males.

“Rugby League has faced adversity since it was born in 1895, and now is a time for all the stakeholders across the sport to show leadership. The one thing that constantly shines through in Rugby League is relentless resilience.

“Fans are the lifeblood of our sport, and it has been heart-warming to see your passion, enthusiasm and how much the growth of international Rugby League means to you all in recent weeks.

“I share that passion as a Rugby League fan who has watched my hometown team for more than forty years and has worked on this tournament since 2015.

“I believe our tournament will be a transformative moment in the sport’s history. It will be twelve months later than planned, but we will welcome the best athletes to the best stadia across England, with the eyes of the world on our sport.

“Now is the time to stand tall, to be proud of Rugby League and to continue to support the tournament.”