Rugby league on course for 'record-breaking' World Cup

Reporting “hugely encouraging” ticket sales, organisers say Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) is set to be the most successful in the 13-a-side game’s history.

Across the UK, tickets have been sold to supporters from 117 different postcode areas, with London and northern cities dominating.

More than half the ticket purchases have been by fans aged between 25 and 44 and 70 per cent have gone to those considered new to the sport.

Promotional ticket prices for the tournament will be available in an end-of-year-sale from Boxing Day until New Year’s Eve.

Competition chief executive Jon Dutton today (Friday) hailed progress made during 2020.

He insisted: “It has been a remarkable year as we build our momentum to 2021 - one we could never have expected, but a year [during which] we’ve adapted, advanced and seen huge achievements, especially by delivering positive social impact that is already making a difference.

“As fans begin to return to stadiums across the world, we know RLWC2021 is going to play a major part of that celebration of sport next year.”

But Dutton admitted more still needs to be done.

“We have been hugely encouraged by the support we have received, which has converted into ticket sales, but we know the work doesn’t stop here as we look to deliver the biggest and best rugby league World Cup in history,” he added.

“The positivity from results in 2020 along with the optimism and hope for better times ahead gives us the perfect platform from which to achieve our ambition.”

In an end-of-year message, government minister Oliver Dowden tipped the event to rewrite the record books.

“Rugby World Cup 2021 has already delivered significant positive social and commercial benefits to its 18 host cities and the surrounding areas across the north of England,” Dowden - secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport - said.

“Through smart partnerships and innovative thinking, the RLWC2021 is well on course to achieving its stated aim of being the biggest and best in history.

“As the largest sporting event held exclusively in England next year, the RLWC2021 follows in the tradition of the previous global events held in this country and will be a true celebration of the sport.”

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.