Council weighs up RL World Cup bid (From St Helens Star)
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St Helens Council considering bid to host games for Rugby League World Cup
11:30am Wednesday 23rd February 2011 in News
Plans for the new Saints stadium at Peasley Cross could look.
ST HELENS Council is weighing up whether to bid to become a host venue for the Rugby League World Cup 2013.
Representatives from the local authority joined officials from other towns and cities at an RFL event showcasing the potential benefits of staging matches during the 14-team tournament.
It takes place in the autumn of 2013, and the RFL is expecting to announce all the host towns, cities and venues by this November.
Saints have spoken of the desire to host tournament fixtures, particularly with a new stadium expected to be completed at Peasley Cross by the autumn of this year.
Councillor Barrie Grunewald, deputy leader of St Helens Council, said: “The council is exploring how it might be involved and, from the information provided so far regarding technical specifications, St Helens appears to have the facilities to meet the requirements of host matches and training camps.
“However, we are still waiting for the rugby league to release the bid documentation, and only then will we be able to confirm our intention.
“Initial bids must be submitted by April 15 and final bids by July 1.
“The council has met with Saints and the Rugby Football League, and will also be getting together with other stakeholders and groups to discuss their involvement in a possible bid.”
Sally Bolton, the RFL’s director of projects and planning, believes there will be “significant benefits, both social and economic”, for host towns and cities.
