Members of Parliament have welcomed plans for the Rugby League World Cup 2021. 

Yesterday (18 April), MPs and Peers had the opportunity to meet with tournament organisers in the Palace of Westminster, learn more about the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments which will be staged together for the first time across England, and find out how to get involved with the host bid process. 

The applicant stage of the host bid process opened at the start of January 2018, and aspirant hosts have until the end of July 2018 to submit their application. In August, compliant submissions will be invited to the candidate stage that runs through until December 2018. Successful hosts will be announced in early 2019.

All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group Chair and Member of Parliament for Bradford South, Judith Cummins MP, said “the Rugby League World Cup 2021 is set to be the most exciting tournament the sport has seen, and will engage and inspire people across the country to get involved with our great game. 

“It was great to meet with the tournament’s organisers, and hear more about plans for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, and also the exciting legacy programme.

“I have no doubt that we will see a fantastic tournament, and encourage colleagues to give the Rugby League World Cup 2021 their full support, especially where their constituencies are bidding to host games.”

Rugby League World Cup 2021 Programme Director, Stephen Brown, said “the direct economic benefit of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 is projected to reach £75million, and so the tournament will deliver a tangible economic impact linked to civic pride, place and a deep community led legacy. 

“We have had an incredible level of interest in hosting games from towns and cities across England, and look forward to continuing to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders over the course of the host bid process.”