The Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC) will be held across 21 venues in England from 23 October to 27 November. For the first time, rugby league’s flagship international event will be a combination of the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair athlete’s tournaments. This unification is not only a welcome move towards levelling the sporting playing field, but it also maximises viewing opportunities for fans urgently waiting for a chance to see live sport again.
Tickets for the 16th instalment of the RLWC opened to everyone on Tuesday 6 April, and they come with welcome reassurances on refund policies and cancellation insurance for prospective buyers. RLWC is taking potential spectator anxieties surrounding Coronavirus seriously, and its comprehensive terms and procedures are sure to allay any concerns.
On the pitch, the RLWC promises to be a unique and exciting hybrid tournament, packed to the brim with tantalising clashes in all 3 categories. In the men’s draw, reigning champions Australia could come up against Ireland or New Zealand in the quarterfinals, whilst hosts England might face noisy neighbours Wales at the same stage. All 4 of the men’s groups are extremely competitive so expect big encounters wherever you look!
Australia also holds the women’s title, but retaining the trophy will not be easy, as they share Group B with New Zealand, France, and the Cook Islands, and could end up competing against the likes of England, Papua New Guinea, or Brazil in the semifinals, if they progress!
Meanwhile, the wheelchair draw starts as it means to go on, with a huge Anglo-Australian fixture getting proceedings underway! England – losing finalists in 2017 – could potentially find themselves with an opportunity to avenge that defeat, as there is a chance that they could meet current wheelchair champions France in the final. In such a talented draw, however, there will be plenty of teams seeking to upset the odds, with less traditionally rugby-crazy nations such as Spain, Norway, and the USA all keen to impress on the world stage.
Though every fan will be hoping their team goes the distance, the return of spectators at venues all the way from London to Newcastle is sure to add another exciting element to the RLWC. Not only will games be tighter and harder to predict, but the atmosphere will showcase what everyone has been missing for so long! Expect venues such as the Copper Box Arena, the Ricoh Arena, Emerald Headingley Stadium, Kingston Park Stadium, and St. James’ Park to be alive with colourful crowds.
RLWC has gone to great lengths to accommodate all kinds of fan: double-header events, generous half-term ticket offers, and plenty of wheelchair seating, means that everyone is welcome. Hospitality options are also on offer, so be sure to make a day of it!
Click here for more information and tickets for the Rugby League World Cup 2021