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Postponement forces venue changes for Rugby League World Cup in 2022

Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers have unveiled ticketing plans and changes to venues ahead of the rearranged competition being staged next year.

Liverpool’s Anfield stadium and M&S Bank Arena are now unable to host matches because of the Anfield Road expansion and prior commitments, respectively. With games to be staged at 21 venues – including Newcastle’s St James’ Park and Old Trafford in Manchester – only five RLWC2021 fixtures have been affected by the postponement and subsequent rescheduling process.

General admission tickets and hospitality for all 61 matches will go on sale from 9am GMT on Friday, November 19. 

Fans who have purchased tickets for the small number of revised fixtures will be contacted with information on what will happen next with their tickets. Organisers said a dedicated refund window will be available from Wednesday, November 24 to request refunds.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said: “For everyone involved in this trailblazing tournament, today is a very important and exciting milestone on our journey to 2022. We have suffered a setback, but since that moment in August we have dedicated all our energy towards rebuilding. A huge amount of work has gone in behind the scenes and thanks to so many people we have the opportunity to deliver a bigger and better tournament next autumn. 

“I want to thank all partners, in particular the UK Government, our broadcast and commercial partners, the administrators of the competing nations for their full commitment, as well as our host towns, cities and venues for providing the perfect stage for the best players in the world to shine. 

“I also want to extend special thanks to the incredible number of loyal fans who held onto their tickets and have continued to support this event that will see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments take place simultaneously for the first time ever.” 

The city of Liverpool will still provide training bases for Italy and Tonga. The new replacement venues will be revealed, along with the new schedule and the release of general sale tickets on November 19. 

Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston added: “Rugby league means so much to many people across the country, so I’m delighted the Rugby League World Cup is on track to kick off next autumn. The UK has a strong record of hosting major international sporting events and this will be another fantastic opportunity to showcase our towns and cities, and to inspire our young people to get involved in sport. 

“The Government is a keen supporter of rugby league, and we absolutely can’t wait to host the world’s best teams in what is set to be a bumper year of sport and culture in 2022.” 

Rugby League World Cup 2021 will kick off at St James’ Park on October 15, 2022 when England’s men take on Samoa. 

The final will then take place at Old Trafford on November 19, 2022, with the men’s and women’s finals taking place as a spectacular double-header.

Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers are a partner of The Ticketing Forum, to register head to TheTicketingForum.com.

Image: RLWC2021