Rugby League World Cup proposals are discussed in Westminster
THE All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group has heard from 2021 Rugby League World Cup chief executive, Jon Dutton, at a meeting in Westminster.
Dutton made a presentation in Parliament to MPs, Peers and associate members of the Group, focusing on plans for the tournament, including the host bid process.
There was also discussion of the three pillars of the tournament’s legacy programme: volunteers; participation and engagement; and a facilities fund.
The men’s, women’s and wheelchair Rugby League World Cups will be staged together for the first time in 2021 across England.
The applicant stage of the host bid process opened at the start of last month and 2021 Rugby League World Cup hosts will be selected later this year.
Chairing the meeting was MP for St Helens South and Whiston, and All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League group secretary, Marie Rimmer.
She said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Jon to Parliament, and to hear about the exciting plans for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
“I have no doubt that we will see another fantastic tournament in 2021, which I hope will engage and inspire young people across the country to get involved with our great game.”
All-Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group chair and MP for Bradford South, Judith Cummins, added: “I am delighted that the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England will stage the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions together for the first time.
“The tournament presents a significant opportunity for rugby league in England, and I hope that the clear legacy programme that has been developed will provide the basis for further growth in our sport.”
Added Dutton: “The 2021 Rugby League World Cup is set to be the biggest and most exciting event the sport has seen.
“We have kicked-off the host bid process, and we have had a fantastic response so far.
“The direct economic benefit of the tournament is expected to reach £75m, and there will also be a wide range of social and environmental impacts throughout host communities.
“We hope that this will mean that the 2021 Rugby League World Cup has a truly transformative impact.”