The draw for the Rugby League World Cup 2021 has taken place today, Thursday 16 January.
The borough will host two games at the University of Bolton Stadium – an England group game and a quarter final. At this moment in time we are waiting to hear who England’s group opponents will be from either France or Greece. Fixture information will be released on the World Cup website www.rlwc2021.com/ in due course.
Cllr Greenhalgh, the Leader of Bolton Council said: “Rugby league is wonderful sport and we are delighted the borough is hosting two matches in what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup. I’m sure the people of Bolton and the wider area will welcome England in one of the group stage games and the two nations who qualify for the quarter final game.
"We're delighted that the University of Bolton Stadium will host England versus either France or Greece, in the group stage of the tournament. France has a long and proud history of rugby league and is one of our oldest rivals. The country hosted the first World Cup in 1954 and was beaten by Great Britain in the final.
“Meanwhile Greece has qualified for the competition for the first time with the sport only recently being taken up there. But it shows the progress they have made by beating some more established nations to qualify.
“I’m looking forward to watching the games in Bolton and the tournament overall.”
England has been drawn against Samoa, France and Greece in Group A of the tournament. The game against Samoa will be the opening match and held at St James' Park, Newcastle.