News

World Cup players and coaches come together to launch tournament

Published by RLWC2021
11 Oct 2022

The biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup will kick off at St James’ Park on Saturday, 15 October, as the men’s tournament gets underway.

RLWC2021 organisers marked the opening week with a launch event hosted at Manchester’s Science & Industry Museum on Monday, 10 October.

Hosted by sports presenter Mark Chapman, sporting legend Stacey Copeland and RLWC2021’s Official Inclusion Ambassador, Oliver Thomason, RLWC2021 welcomed tournament stakeholders, partners, national and international media, as well as team representatives from the 16 competing men’s nations.

With over 90 media outlets in attendance, including BBC, ITV, Sky Sports, and broadcasters from all over the world, there were over 200 individual interviews conducted on a day which demonstrated the anticipation and excitement from all competing nations, as they gear up to put on a show at RLWC2021.

In addition, the tournament’s Official Twitter saw a Livestream from the day that generated the buzz in the room online for viewers all over the world.

Jon DuttonChief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “This was a fantastic day for the tournament as we kick off the final week until the first ground-breaking fixture.  

“To have all of our stakeholders and partners together who have worked incredibly hard alongside our team to help deliver a bold and brave tournament was something special.  

“Hearing from the team captains and coaches really enforced the feeling of excitement that our tournament has generated globally, and we cannot wait for Saturday.”


Photo: RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton at the launch (Getty Images)

RLWC2021 welcomes teams from 21 nations globally, championing culture, diversity and inclusivity throughout the 61 fixtures.

You can view RLWC2021’s Twitter livestream, by clicking here

You can also view the whole Tournament Launch event via the Official RLWC2021 app. The RLWC2021 app can be downloaded here from Apple, and here from Android.

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