Old Trafford to host men’s and women’s final in a double-header of RLWC2021 action
The Rugby League World Cup 2021 tournament organisers have today (21 July) revealed the much-anticipated fixture schedule for what promises to be the biggest and best World Cup in the history of the sport, as the men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams all compete at the same time in a major sporting first.
Old Trafford will be hosting the men’s and women’s RLWC2021 finals, which will be played back-to-back on Saturday 27 November. The women’s final will kick-off at 14.15, followed by the men’s at 17.00.
In June, it was revealed that Manchester and Trafford will be the team training base for England and Australia’s men’s teams.
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said: “This is a huge moment for the tournament and for fans in our host cities and towns as we reveal the full fixture schedule.
“The tournament has been gaining momentum over recent months and fans can now look forward to being part of this unique global event. With match dates and locations confirmed, the excitement will only intensify.
“RLWC2021 will bring together the very best that the sport has to offer, and you can see from the schedule that there is no end of world class, not-to-be-missed matches, across all three tournaments.
“It Is an exciting day for all our Rugby League fans and communities across England who will be proud and brilliant hosts to the travelling nations as together we deliver the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup to date.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Rugby League World Cup 2021 will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Greater Manchester to viewers from across the globe.
“We are proud to be hosting games across the region in Bolton, Trafford and Wigan, including the men’s and women’s final as a spectacular double header on 27 November 2021. It will also be a pleasure to host teams from England, Australia, France and Lebanon who will be basing themselves in Greater Manchester during the tournament. We look forward to providing a very warm welcome to all visiting teams and fans next autumn.”
Cllr Luthfur Rahman, Manchester City Council’s executive member for culture, leisure and skills said: “It is truly exciting to have such a highly anticipated global sporting event take place right here in Manchester. Even more so having the opportunity to cheer on the national team so close to home and hopefully in the final.
“There is a spirit and community within Rugby League that will really speak to the people of Manchester, and it is wonderful to see how inclusive this tournament will be with men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments all taking place at the same time.
“Given the nature of the sport – played at such a high intensity, fast-pace – this tournament is not to be missed. Make sure to put the date in your diary, the Rugby League World Cup is coming to Manchester.”
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing amazing rugby and memorable moments right here on our doorstep.
“Trafford is synonymous with world-class sport and the Rugby League World Cup will be a fantastic event that will inspire young people.
“I am particularly delighted that the men’s and women’s finals will take place on the same day for the first time. Old Trafford is the fitting place for this ground-breaking occasion. It is going to be an incredible event.”
With 61 fixtures over a six-week period the tournament will showcase a festival of world class sporting action. The dates, venues and kick-off times* for each of the three tournaments is now confirmed and available to view at www.RLWC2021.com.
Please visit www.RLWC2021.com for more information, for details on how to sign up to receive ticket alerts and all the latest news first.
ENDS