Trafford will play host to the men’s and women’s finals of the 2021 Rugby League Cup, it has been announced.
The successful bid, led by Trafford Council, sees the men’s and women’s final being played on the same day on 27 November 2021 at Old Trafford – a first for a main sport in the UK.
The tournament will see the UK welcome world-class athletes, playing an incredible sport, performing on Rugby League’s biggest stage.
The last world cup saw England narrowly beaten in the final and Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, is hoping to see them go one better this time round.
He said:
The Rugby League World Cup will be a great opportunity to showcase the best players in the sport – so it’s fantastic that our borough will also be able to showcase our own jewels in the crown.
We are so fortunate to have a world famous venue like Old Trafford in our borough and we are developing plans to ensure the walk from the Metrolink to the ground parallels those world-class standards.
It’s especially pleasing that the women’s world cup final will be on the same day as the men’s final. We are a council that promotes equality and want the world cup to leave a long-lasting legacy that increases participation in sporting activities for all our Trafford residents.
John Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said:
Old Trafford has over twenty years of Grand Final history and also played host to the World Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2013. Manchester United, Trafford MBC and partners should be congratulated on their positive and proactive approach to the bid process.
He added:
The women’s and men’s double-header final is not only a UK sporting first but an incredibly exciting milestone for the sport. We are committed to hosting a fully inclusive tournament and to see the men’s and women’s final being held in the North’s most iconic stadium demonstrates our ambition and values.
The day of 27 November 2021 is going to be a great day for the sport and something that both core rugby league fans and wider sports and entertainment can really look forward to.
As well as the men’s and women’s competitions, the Wheelchair Rugby World Cup will also be held simultaneously. Organisers believe that the expanded event will attract more live spectators, encourage domestic tourism and longer overseas visitor stays.
Posted on Tuesday 29th January 2019