With 500 days to go until the opening fixture of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, tournament organisers have announced that Hull will act as the training base for Fiji’s men’s team.
Hull’s passionate sporting fanbase will be welcoming 2017 semi-finalists, Fiji, as the Pacific Islanders look to go even further at RLWC2021.
The KCOM Stadium, which has seen some amazing international rugby league action over the years, will host two men’s games, including a quarter-final. The current UK City of Culture, with its bustling docks and welcoming community, is sure to be a perfect match when the Fijians arrive in town.
The squads from the 21 unique nations and 32 teams will be based in different locations, with the full list of host towns and cities being revealed throughout the day.
All the host cities and towns will form a huge part of making the tournament a success, welcoming players from around the world and adopting them as their own, as they get behind them and cheer them on in 500 days’ time. Following this announcement, the fixtures for all three tournaments will be announced in the coming months.
The Fijian side won’t be too unfamiliar with the city either, having taken on England at the KCOM Stadium back in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in the group stages in front of a huge crowd at the home of the Black & Whites.
Fiji are currently ranked 5th in the world rankings and will be one of several nations aiming to be the dark horse of the tournament – in 2017, they defeated New Zealand 4-2 in the quarter-finals on home soil to progress through to the semi-finals!
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said: “Today marks another hugely exciting milestone on the road to Rugby League World Cup 2021 as we celebrate 500 days until the opening fixture at St James’ Park in October next year.
“Hull is a rugby league powerhouse and home to one of the best rivalries in sport. We are sure that this news will excite everyone in Hull, as they are set to welcome one of the most exciting and passionate teams to play the game, Fiji.
“Our refreshed tournament identity and today’s nation base announcement can serve as an exciting reminder for the people of Hull of what’s to come in 2021 as we continue to build momentum towards what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.”
Please visit www.RLWC2021.com for more information and for details on how to sign up to the receive ticket alerts and all the latest news first.
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