ST Helens has submitted a bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

St Helens Council has confirmed the news, which will see organisers draw in record crowds, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions staged in a single, celebratory event – making it the biggest Rugby League World Cup yet.

Saints RLFC and St Helens Council were approached by the Rugby Football League (RFL) earlier this year with a view for Saints’ 18,000 capacity Totally Wicked Stadium to bid to host group games at the men and women’s tournaments.

Initial discussions with tournament organisers also resulted in the possibility of the borough hosting a team throughout the duration of the World Cup, using Ruskin Drive Sports Village and Saints’ training base at Cowley Language College as training bases.

As part of the borough’s bid – which was officially announced during half-time of the Saints vs Warrington Wolves match yesterday evening Thursday, July 26 - St Helens would relish the opportunity to host a nation like Tonga, currently ranked the fourth best international rugby league side in the world.

Hosting the event could have an economic benefit of between £2.4m to £4.5m and contribute to other strategic initiatives such as the St Helens town centre regeneration; raising the profile of St Helens; bringing positive links to public health messages – and boost community engagement after 75 per cent of spectators felt that the World Cup enhanced community spirit when it was last in town in 2013.

St Helens Council Leader Derek Long said: "Rugby League is in our DNA. That's why I made winning a host venue as a key priority in my first week as Council Leader.

“This is a great bid founded on a great partnership with Saints. We will now work hard to use this to build a great sporting legacy for our clubs and communities across the borough. "

Saints chief executive Mike Rush added: “To host a team and stage games here at The Totally Wicked Stadium would be a huge privilege for all connected with the club and town.

“A World Cup Tournament brings people together and embraces so many different cultures that to play a part as a venue and host town would be of great benefit from grass roots community rugby right through to the commercial benefits that such an event attracts.

“I am sure the whole of St Helens will get right behind our bid and we can all look forward to a fantastic Rugby League World Cup in 2021.”