Expect a fan-friendly experience at next year's Rugby League World Cup
22 July 2020 11:22
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The three tournaments – the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events – have been scheduled to suit supporters’ schedulesBy Gavin Willacy for No Helmets RequiredWith six of next season’s Premier League stadiums hosting games, no one can accuse Rugby League World Cup 2021 of not aiming high. If it all goes to plan, this should be the biggest and best tournament the sport has ever seen. Within minutes of unveiling the fixture list on Tuesday morning, World Cup wallcharts started dropping through people’s letterboxes 500 days before the three tournaments – men’s, women’s and wheelchair – kick off. This level of pre-planning is unheard of in most sports and extraordinary in rugby league.With 61 games, 21 teams and 21 venues, there was potential for a scattergun approach, but instead there is order and logic. Hosts England will open at Newcastle on 23 October before heading to Bolton and Sheffield; while Hull, Coventry and St Helens will get to see the world champion Kangaroos. “It was logistical jigsaw and some teams will have to move around more than others,” said Jon Dutton, the chief executive of the events. “But each team will live in a basecamp during the week and that will be their home, immersing them in the local community.” Related: Tony Adams: ‘Hopefully people have had periods of reflection in lockdown’ Related: Jermaine Coleman: 'Black people don't want a leg up. Just equality' Continue readingread full article
