ENGLAND has been awarded the right to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, beating a bid from the USA and Canada.
After next year’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand, the World Cup will return to England after they successfully hosted it in 2013.
Langtree Park hosted the Group A game between eventual winners Australia and semi-finalists Fiji during the last tournament.
Saints’ home ground could be in contention to host games next time around as the RFL say they intend to stage 80 per cent of games in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The government aided the bid with £15million in support and RFL chairman Brian Barwick hailed its success.
“The news today that England has won the right to host the Rugby League World Cup in 2021 is transformative for our sport,” he said.
“Our commitment to grow the game internationally, attract more spectators than ever before and put on the biggest and best event in the sports history has clearly been recognised by the RLIF.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here