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Seven countries have hosted and/or co-hosted the Rugby League World Cup. England, France, Australia and New Zealand have hosted the World Cup on multiple occasions and the tournament has never been played outside its traditional 'heartlands' in these areas. The International Rugby League is responsible for picking hosts.

From 1954 to 1960 the Men's Rugby League World Cup was held triennially, however from 1960 to 2008[a] World Cups were sporadic. In this time period hosts were picked and tournaments were arranged between the four traditional rugby league playing countries and the IRL. From 2013 World Cups were held quadrennially and countries have to send an application and bids to the IRL to host the World Cup as more teams participate in international rugby league.

The Women's Rugby League World Cup was first held in 2000 alongside the men's version and eight years later the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup was inaugurated. Both these tournament began as part of the Festival of World Cups, a collection of smaller competitions played as a build up to the opening of the men's tournament. For the 2017 World Cup, the women's tournament received equal status and was played alongside the men's tournament, with the Wheelchair World Cup following in 2021. The 2026 edition will be the last time the three Rugby League World Cups are staged concurrently, with each being made into standalone events from 2028 onwards. The first of which will be the 2028 Women's Rugby League World Cup followed by the 2029 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup and the 2030 Men's Rugby League World Cup.

List of Rugby League World Cup hosts

[edit]

Men's

[edit]
Year Host(s) Confederation
1954  France Europe
1957  Australia Asia-Pacific
1960  United Kingdom Europe
1968  Australia
 New Zealand 		Asia-Pacific
1970  United Kingdom Europe
1972  France Europe
1975  Australia
 France
 New Zealand
 United Kingdom 		Europe and
Asia-Pacific
1977  Australia
 New Zealand 		Asia-Pacific
1985–1988 No host; home and away format
1989–1992
1995  England
 Wales 		Europe
2000  England
 France
Ireland Ireland
 Scotland
 Wales 		Europe
2008  Australia Asia-Pacific
2013  England
 Wales 		European
2017  Australia
 New Zealand
 Papua New Guinea 		Asia-Pacific
2021  England Europe
2026  Australia
 Papua New Guinea 		Asia-Pacific
2030 TBA TBA

NB: As Great Britain was the IRL nation until 1995, the United Kingdom is used to refer to host nations before this time regardless of the number of home nations which actually hosted the tournament.

Women's

[edit]
Year Host(s) Confederation
2000  United Kingdom Europe
2003  New Zealand Asia-Pacific
2008  Australia Asia-Pacific
2013  England European
2017  Australia Asia-Pacific
2021  England Europe
2026  Australia
 Papua New Guinea 		Asia-Pacific
2028 TBA TBA

NB: As Great Britain was the IRL nation until 2003, the United Kingdom is used to refer to host nations before this time regardless of the number of home nations which actually hosted the tournament.

Wheelchair

[edit]
Year Host(s) Confederation
2008  Australia Asia-Pacific
2013  England European
2017  France Europe
2021  England Europe
2026  Australia
 Papua New Guinea 		Asia-Pacific
2029 TBA TBA

Combined bids (2013–2026)

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2013

[edit]
Main article: 2013 Rugby League World Cup

Bids:

Australia bid for the 2013 World Cup following their success of hosting the 2008 World Cup. The Rugby Football League (RFL) also submitted a bid for England and Wales to host the World Cup for the first time since 2000. The RFL bid was later accepted.[1][2]

Winners:  England /  Wales

2017

[edit]
Main article: 2017 Rugby League World Cup

Bids:

South Africa bid to host the 2017 World Cup hoping to be the first African nation to host a rugby league World Cup believing that they help grow the game internationally.[3][4] Australia also bid for the hosting rights again but with the help of New Zealand to co host. The RLIF accepted Australia and New Zealand's bid to host the 2017 World Cup as there would be more chance of the tournament being a success although South Africa was praised for their growing domestic game.[5][6]

Winners:  Australia /  New Zealand /  Papua New Guinea

NB: The wheelchair tournament was held in  France

2021 (Held in 2022)

[edit]
Main article: 2021 Rugby League World Cup

Bids:

Withdrawn bids

On 15 April 2015, the UAE expressed interest in biding for the World Cup with a formal bid being later materialised. The UAERL believed the country has the facilities, as well as the financial backing and infrastructure to host the World Cup. The bid was later cancelled after rugby union officials in the UAE had the leader of the bid arrested for "managing a sporting body which is not registered and therefore not recognised by the relevant government authority".[11]

On 25 November 2015 England's RFL announced it had government backed plans to host the 2021 World Cup after the success of 2013. The RFL put in an official bid for the 2021 World Cup on 30 June 2016 with £15m funding from the government and the aim to have over 1 million spectators. The USARL put a bid in with the hope to grow the sport throughout North America.

Winners:  England

2025 moved to 2026

[edit]
Main articles: 2025 Rugby League World Cup and 2026 Rugby League World Cup

Bids[12]

Expressed interest in biding[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]

Withdrawn following successful bid

The 2025 World Cup was recommended by the IRL to be hosted in the USA and Canada with their bid later being awarded.[21][22] However due to the organisers Moore Sports encountering financial difficulties they were stripped of the hosting.[23]

The IRL then went on the recommend France who in July 2021 officially bid to host the World Cup and again won the right to host the tournament.[24][25][26] However in May 2023, France withdrew due to financial concerns from the new French government elected that month.[27][28][29][30][31]

Following France's withdrawal, Fiji, New Zealand, Qatar, and South Africa expressed interest in bidding. In August 2023, the IRL confirmed that a Southern Hemisphere nation(s) would host the tournament in 2026.[32][33][34][35][12]

Following public interest surrounding the Qatar bid, the IRL confirmed it was not an official bid and also confirmed that the IRL did not see Qatar as a feasible option for hosting an international tournament at present, but would be open to them hosting in the future. They also confirmed interest from other Middle Eastern nations.[36]

On 24 July 2024, the IRL announced that Australia would host the 2026 tournament, with a number of games played in Papua New Guinea.[37][38][39][40]

Winners:  United States /  Canada (later withdrew),  France (later withdrew),  Australia /  Papua New Guinea

Men's bids (2030–)

[edit]

2030

[edit]
Main article: 2030 Men's Rugby League World Cup

Bids

Expressed interest in biding (for 2030):

  • Seven nations

Following the end of the 2023 season it was confirmed seven nations had expressed interest in bidding for the World Cup. Deadline for bids was confirmed as 16 February 2024.[41]

On 31st July 2024, the International Rugby League announced Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and the United States had made a success first round bid and would be advancing those bids to the second round.[42]

In August 2024, South Africa estimated that hosting the event would result in a R4 billion boost to the country's economy.[43] In September, South Africa submitted a proposal to host the 2025 Men's and Women's World Series, in attempt to strengthen their bids to host the 2030 World Cup.[44]

Expressed interest in biding (for 2029):

Before the withdrawals of hosts for the 2025 World Cup, it was known that New Zealand and South Africa had expressed interest in bidding for the 2029 World Cup. [20] International Rugby League had initially planned for the United States to host the tournament but since deamed it unfeasible due to domestic political infighting, instead favouring them as hosts for 2033 (now 2034).[45]

2034

[edit]
Main article: 2034 Men's Rugby League World Cup

Expressed interest in biding:

International Rugby League has targeted the United States to host 2033 (now 2034) tournament.[45]

Women's bids (2028–)

[edit]

Announced in 2023, following the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, the women's world cup will be a stand-alone event with the first in 2028. The exception was a stand-alone women's world cup in 2003 hosted by New Zealand.

2028

[edit]
Main article: 2028 Women's Rugby League World Cup

Bids

Expressed interest in biding:

  • Eight nations

Following the end of the 2023 season it was confirmed eight nations had expressed interest in bidding for the World Cup. Deadline for bids was confirmed as 16 February 2024.[41]

On 29th July 2024, the International Rugby League announced France, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa had made a success first round bid and would be advancing those bids to the second round.[46]

In September, South Africa submitted a proposal to host the 2025 Men's and Women's World Series, in attempt to strengthen their bids to host the 2028 World Cup.[44]

Wheelchair bids (2029–)

[edit]

Announced in 2023, following the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, the wheelchair world cup will be a stand-alone event with the first in 2029. The exception was the 2017 World Cup hosted by France instead of Australia who hosted the men's and women's.

2029

[edit]
Main article: 2029 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup

Bids

Expressed interest in biding:

  • Five nations

Following the end of the 2023 season it was confirmed five nations had expressed interest in bidding for the World Cup. Deadline for bids was confirmed as 16 February 2024.[41]

On 30th July 2024, the International Rugby League announced England, France, and the United States had made a success first round bid and would be advancing those bids to the second round.[47]

Total bids by country

[edit]
Key
  • C = Combined bids (men's, women's, and wheelchair; 2013–2026)
  • M = Men's bids
  • W = Women's bids
  • WC = Wheelchair bids
  • bolded = Successful bids
  • crossed out = Withdrawn bids
  • NB: Rejected bids and expressions of interest are not included
Country Bids Years Times
hosted
 New Zealand 4 2017 C, 2026 C, 2028 W, 2030 M 4
 United States 2021 C, 2025 C, 2029 WC, 2030 M 0
 Australia 3 2013 C, 2017 C, 2026 C 7
 England 2013 C, 2021 C, 2029 WC 7[c]
 France 2025 C, 2028 W, 2029 WC 4
 South Africa 2017 C, 2028 W, 2030 M 0
 Papua New Guinea 2017 C, 2028 W, 2030 M 1[d]
 Canada 2 2021 C, 2025 C 0
 Kenya 2028 W, 2030 M 0
 United Arab Emirates 1 2021 C 0
 Wales 2013 C 3[e]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The birth of the modern World Cup in 1995 was intended to begin a regular triennial competition. However with the Super League war and the financial disaster of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, this would not materialise until 2008 and saw a change to a quadrennial tournament.
  2. ^ The "Pasifika" bid was set to include an number of Pacific Island countries as co-host
  3. ^ Including three times English venues hosted during time as Great Britain
  4. ^ Papua New Guinea co-hosted the 2026 World Cup but was not listed as an official host
  5. ^ Including one time Welsh venues hosted during time as Great Britain

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Andy Wilson (28 July 2009). "UK wins bid to host 2013 Rugby League World Cup". Guardian. London. Archived from the original on 30 July 2009. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  2. ^ Ian Laybourn (20 November 2008). "Australia to bid for next World Cup". Sporting Life. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  3. ^ "South Africa to face joint bid from Australia and New Zealand to host 2017 Rugby League World Cup". insidethegames.biz. 21 October 2012. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  4. ^ "South Africa's shock bid to host World Cup". dailytelegraph.com.au. 22 October 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  5. ^ Kilgallon, Steve (1 August 2010). "NZ prepares bid to co-host 2017 World Cup". The Sunday Star-Times. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  6. ^ Australia-NZ Rugby League World Cup bid progresses Archived 20 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine 3News, 21 October 2013
  7. ^ "England to bid for 2021 Rugby League World Cup". skySports. 30 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  8. ^ "USA submit bid to host 2021 Rugby League World Cup". Nzherald.co.nz. 3 August 2016. Retrieved 3 August 2016.
  9. ^ "UAE plans bid to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup". skySports. 18 April 2015. Retrieved 19 April 2015.
  10. ^ "Sol Mokdad issues public apology to UAE Rugby Federation to end criminal proceedings against him". TheNational. 25 May 2015. Retrieved 26 May 2015.
  11. ^ "Sol Mokdad, president of Rugby League Commission, detained by Dubai Police". TheNational. 10 May 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Rugby League World Cup: Southern hemisphere to host tournament in 2026 after France withdrawal".
  13. ^ Hytner, Mike (16 May 2023). "New Zealand makes bid to co-host 2025 Rugby League World Cup with Australia after France pulls out". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  14. ^ "New Zealand keen to host 2025 Rugby League World Cup with Australia after France pull-out". Sky Sports. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  15. ^ "Fiji, Qatar & South Africa express World Cup interest". BBC Sport. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  16. ^ "The four countries to have shown interest in hosting the 2025 World Cup". LoveRugbyLeague. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Qatar steps up to join bidders for next Rugby League World Cup in 2025 | Rugby league | The Guardian". amp.theguardian.com. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  18. ^ "Qatar expresses an interest in staging Rugby League World Cup". TotalRL.com | Rugby League Express | Rugby League World. 17 May 2023. Retrieved 2 June 2023.
  19. ^ Long, David (17 June 2023). "New Zealand Rugby League working on unique World Cup bid that includes Pacific Islands". Stuff. Retrieved 18 June 2023.
  20. ^ a b Willacy, Gavin (28 June 2023). "International rugby league plots new paths during wait for World Cup hosts". The Guardian.
  21. ^ "Rugby League World Cup moves to North America in 2025". stuff sport. 20 November 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
  22. ^ "North America to Host 2025 Rugby league World Cup". Canada Rugby League Association. 1 December 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  23. ^ Adrian Proszenko (4 December 2018). "US World Cup hosting plans torpedoed by money trouble". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 December 2018.
  24. ^ "France to host 2025 World Cup". National Rugby League. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  25. ^ Shaw, Matthew (11 January 2022). "French Prime Minister Jean Castex's pride after securing Rugby League World Cup". YorkshireLive. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  26. ^ "France set to host the 2025 Rugby League World Cups". Asia Pacific Rugby League. 11 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  27. ^ "France pulls out of hosting Rugby League World Cup". BBC Sport. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  28. ^ "France no longer able to host 2025 Rugby League World Cup". seriousaboutrl.com. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  29. ^ Bower, Aaron (15 May 2023). "2025 Rugby League World Cup in doubt after France pull out of staging event". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
  30. ^ "France withdraw from hosting 2025 Rugby League World Cup over financial concerns". Sky Sports. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  31. ^ "Confirmed: France will not host 2025 Rugby League World Cup". LoveRugbyLeague. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  32. ^ "Southern hemisphere to host 2026 World Cup". BBC Sport. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  33. ^ "Reduced Rugby League World Cup to take place in 2026". The Guardian. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  34. ^ "2026 Rugby League World Cup to be hosted in southern hemisphere". The Independent. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  35. ^ "Rugby League World Cup 2025 to be delayed". Love Rugby League. 3 August 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2023.
  36. ^ "Exclusive: Qatar have 'real interest' in hosting a Rugby League World Cup". 4 August 2023.
  37. ^ "Australia to host 2026 World Cup". BBC Sport. 24 July 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  38. ^ "ARLC welcomes Rugby League World Cup 2026 hosting rights". 24 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Australia confirmed as host for three Rugby League World Cups in 2026".
  40. ^ "Why Australia is staging 2026 World Cup with Papua New Guinea involvement revealed". Love Rugby League. 24 July 2024.
  41. ^ a b c https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/rugby-league/11-countries-express-interest-in-hosting-future-rugby-league-world-cups-confirm-irl-board-4407864 [bare URL]
  42. ^ "Women's RLWC2028 tenderers announced".
  43. ^ "World Cup bids set to change trajectory of game in South Africa".
  44. ^ a b https://www.intrl.sport/article/245/eager-to-seize-this-chance-south-africa-begins-road-to-rlwc2026
  45. ^ a b "'Why can't you have two disciplines of rugby?' - Rugby league plans to join Olympics by 2032". 31 October 2022.
  46. ^ "Women's RLWC2028 tenderers announced".
  47. ^ "Women's RLWC2028 tenderers announced".
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