THE reigning world champions, Australia – along with Tonga, Italy, Wales and Papua New Guinea – will play in St Helens next year as part of the Rugby League World Cup, it has been revealed.
Tonga – coached by Saints head coach, Kristian Woolf, and among the favourites to win the tournament - will play two matches, going head-to-head with Papua New Guinea and Wales.
Italy, who, together with Tonga will train at venues across the St Helens borough during their stay in England, will battle it out with the mighty Kangaroos.
The men’s group fixtures are evening games and will be played at Saints’ 18,000 capacity Totally Wicked Stadium – on the following dates in 2021:
- October 26 - Tonga vs Papua New Guinea – 7.30pm
- November 1 - Tonga vs Wales – 7.30pm
- November 6 - Australia vs Italy – 7.30pm
St Helens Council released this poster promoting the fixtures
Welcoming the announcement, St Helens Borough Council Leader, David Baines, said: “I’m really looking forward to the Rugby League World Cup, and the fact that St Helens is hosting Tonga and Italy for training and some really big games at the Totally Wicked Stadium is great for our borough.
“It’s going to be a huge event and the games we’ll be hosting at Saints are absolute crackers.
"My family and I will be getting tickets and we can’t wait.”
Saints' Totally Wicked Stadium - picture by Steve Samosa
Saints great, Paul Wellens, who is one of the assistant coaches for the England national team, said: “I know all too well what the Rugby League World Cup means to coaches, players and fans alike.
"To play in a World Cup really is special and the fact my hometown, St Helens, is hosting two teams and three men’s international matches is truly something to savour.
“Two of those fixtures to be played at our St Helens home involve Tonga who are of course coached by my colleague and Head Coach, Kristian Woolf, so those two fixtures in particular are going to be extra special for everyone involved in the club and the town.
"I am also lucky to be part of the England coaching staff for the upcoming World Cup so cannot wait for it all to kick off and I am sure it will be memorable for all involved."
According to the local authority, the overall impact of St Helens' involvement in the Rugby League World Cup, tipped to be the biggest and best one to date, is expected to boost the local economy by more than £3m and will benefit the grassroots game through a number of legacy projects.
Tonga's passionate fans were a highlight of ther previous RLWC (SW Pix)
Held in England in the October and November, organisers are aiming to draw in record crowds at the 2021 tournament, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions staged in a single, celebratory event – making it the biggest Rugby League World Cup yet.
The council’s cabinet member for public Health and leisure, Councillor Anthony Burns, believes the tournament presents a big opportunity for St Helens.
“To be chosen to be part of a global celebration of rugby league is a recognition of our rugby league and sporting heritage, and the world-class training and playing facilities we boast, including of course the fantastic Totally Wicked Stadium, home of the Saints.
Saints' stadium will host three games (PA)
“It’s also an opportunity to increase the borough’s profile nationally and internationally, supporting our aims of raising aspirations in the borough as a place to live and visit."
Visit www.RLWC2021.com for more information, for details on how to sign up to receive ticket alerts and all the latest news first.
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