Last week there were just 100 days to go until the tournament kicks off at St James’ Park as England men take on Samoa men on 15 October.

The 100-day milestone sees excitement for the trailblazing World Cup continue to rise with this Autumn’s tournament breaking new ground in staging a record-breaking 61 matches across three competitions simultaneously for the very first time. They will be held across 18 Host towns and cities – meaning more matches in more places than ever before.

The tournament has also smashed the record for the number of tickets sold for an England-based Women's Rugby League World Cup fixture with the opening match at Headingley between England and tournament debutantes Brazil having already sold over 5,000 tickets.

In addition to a record-breaking sponsorship programme, hospitality sales have exceeded any previous Rugby League World Cup while families can purchase tickets from just £2.21 for Under 16s making it great value for all.

RLWC2021 Chief Executive, Jon Dutton, said: “With just 100 days to go until the Rugby League World Cup starts at St James’ Park it’s incredibly exciting to be in the final phase of preparation for what is set to be the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.

“The interest in the tournament and demand for tickets has been great to see, particularly after the disappointment of postponement last year. We are now close to selling out a number of our tournament fixtures, with the interest in women’s and wheelchair matches particularly encouraging to see.

"I urge everyone to get behind the tournament and be part of the sport’s future history. It is vital we see record attendances across the tournament, witness the best players in the world in action and be part of something truly special.”

Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council's cabinet member for Neighbourhood and Communities, said: “It’s so exciting to be just 100 days away from the World Cup kicking off. The interest in all three tournaments is incredibly encouraging to see and excitement is once more starting to build in Warrington for this prestigious sporting event.

“Rugby League World Cup 2021 has already had a real impact in communities up and down the country before a ball has been kicked or a pass has been thrown and it will be amazing to see how the excitement for the tournament continues to grow between now and the first match.

“This is an important milestone as we begin our countdown to the tournament and in the weeks ahead we will be working together to put all the pieces in place for an exciting, inclusive event which engages with everyone in the community.”

RLWC2021 is set be a trailblazing tournament with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time with every second of every one of the 61 matches being broadcast live across BBC platforms.

The tournament will be a truly global celebration of rugby league with teams flying in from all corners of the globe to fight for the opportunity to get their hands on one of the three famous trophies, with the women’s competition hosting teams from four different continents for the first time in history.

Notes to editors:

• Warrington is set to host the Papua New Guinea men’s team as part of RLWC2021
• The Halliwell Jones Stadium will also host three men’s group game fixtures, with recent confirmation that Warrington will also host a men’s quarter final game
• Alongside this, Warrington will also be leading a festival of Physical Disability Rugby League

You can find out more on RLWC2021 on the RLWC2021 page on the council website.

About Rugby League World Cup 2021

The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle major event of rugby league, globally contested every four years. RLWC2021 will be a breakthrough moment in the tournament’s history with the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being staged together for the first time.

The three tournaments will take place across 21 venues throughout England. Both the women’s and wheelchair competitions will be contested by two groups of four teams, whilst the men’s tournament will see 16 teams compete across four groups.

RLWC2021 will be the most visible rugby league event in history with all 61 games in the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions being broadcast live on the BBC.
For full ticketing details visit rlwc2021.com/tickets

For more information, contact:

Rob Meaden, Head of Communications: rob.meaden@rlwc2021.com / 07890561448

Abby Burton, Communications Lead: abby.burton@rlwc2021.com / 07435985333

Aaron Gales, Communications Lead: aaron.gales@rlwc2021.com / 07533707363