By Lyndsey Hall
This morning, we were lucky enough to be at the Keepmoat Stadium for the announcement of the eighteen venues where the Rugby League World Cup will take place in 2021. Congratulations to Doncaster on their winning bid!
The government set the tournament organisers a target of hosting a minimum of 80% of games in the Northern Powerhouse, and they rose to the challenge with ease. In addition to Doncaster, games will also be played in both Leeds and Sheffield, meaning Yorkshire will benefit hugely from the international attention the competition will bring. Other northern towns and cities welcoming the chance to show off their sporting goods in 2021 include Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Hull, York and Huddersfield. And of course, rugby league stalwarts St Helens and Warrington will also play host to some of the games.
As evidenced by the Tour de France Grand Depart in 2014 and the Special Olympics in 2017, sport is big business for our region, generating millions of pounds for the local economy from tourism, investment and exposure. The atmosphere of camaraderie and unity that sports events bring to the region has a lasting positive effect on happiness and wellbeing, and local businesses notice a marked uptick in sales and profits before, during and after such events.
The 2021 RLWC is set to be the most inclusive rugby league event ever, with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions all taking place at the same time.
Mims Davies, Minister for Sport and Civil Society, said: “The UK is renowned for putting on some of the biggest and best sporting events in the world and the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be no exception. This tournament will provide a stage for the world’s best players in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair game to shine in cities and towns across the country. It is an exceptional opportunity to grow the sport. We are investing £25 million to help put on a fantastic event, reach new fans and improve facilities, so the tournament leaves a real legacy.”
The draw for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 will take place on 27th November 2019.
Are you expecting to see a Rugby League World Cup shaped boost in your business’s bottom line? Do you plan to attend any of the locally hosted games? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook and Twitter.
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