NZ unlikely to host 2025 World Cup
Don’t expect New Zealand to host 2025 Rugby League World Cup, even though it’s up for grabs again.
The RLIF (International Rugby League Federation) has announced it has pulled the plug on the previous plan of it being held in North America and bankrolled by Moore Sports International.
It was this company which was behind the disastrous test between the Kiwis and England in Denver last year, which lost a fortune and left the NZRL out of pocket.
The sport’s governing body have opened it up for parties to express interest in hosting the World Cup in six year’s time, but NZRL CEO Greg Peters says it’s not something they’re pursuing.
‘‘It’s unlikely at this stage, because they’re requesting proposals and the RLIF are still considering venues and possible proposals,’’ Peters said.
‘‘In 2017 New Zealand was a successful participant in hosting that, but it’s a massive undertaking and at this stage we’re not considering 2025, but you never say never.’’
It’s unlikely the World Cup will go to North America, unless there’s someone else willing to financially back it. It’s a disappointing outcome, because there is real potential to grow the sport there, not just because of the growth of the game in Toronto, through the Wolfpack.
For league to grow, the showpiece event can’t alternate between England and Australia every four years.
‘‘At the moment they’re looking at alternative territories,’’ Peters said.
‘‘2021 [in England] is looking like it’s going to be pretty special and the Cup needs to keep growing, the revenue base too is really important.
‘‘2017 was fantastic from an event point of view, but we need to grow more revenue, to bring it into the game and that means territories that can drive more than we can in New Zealand and it’s a lot of games.’’
Meanwhile, Peters says a decision will be made soon on whether New Zealand will host a tour by the British Lions later this year. The schedule for the tour has already been drawn up, but it comes down to whether it all stacks up financially.
‘‘It’s very close to either a go or a no go,’’ Peters said. ‘‘That decision will be made next week.
‘‘We’re still working towards a positive outcome, but there are a number of stakeholders in the mix who all have different things that need to be considered and one of the biggest things is the overall risk or success of the commercial testing, which we’re currently evaluating.
‘‘It looks positive, but there are a number of elements we need to tick off yet.’’
An announcement on where the June test between the Kiwis and Tonga is also expected to be made soon, with Mt Smart Stadium, Eden Park or Waikato Stadium the likely options.
Financial problems, coaching, selection shambles have blighted the NZRL and Kiwis over recent years, but under Peters the organisation and national team look to have got back on track and he says this year is about building on that.
‘‘It’s a big year for us,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ve steadied the ship and we need to now make some significant progress in a number of areas to really reset and reignite the game in New Zealand.
‘‘So that’s what we’re focused on and one of the things is getting international matches.’’