Rugby League World Cup: England primed for tournament like no other

It was the then RFL chairman, Brian Barwick, who was given the task of making the opening remarks when England were awarded the right to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup six years ago. More than 2,100 days have passed since then and plenty has changed; there has been significant turnover at the top of the sport, there has been a global pandemic leading to a 12-month delay and constant uncertainty but on Saturday, at long last, the action gets under way.

One thing that remains the same is Barwick’s belief that, if executed correctly, this tournament could be transformative for a sport that faces a fascinating future on and off the field. Make no mistake about it: rugby league in this country seldom gets opportunities on a stage as significant as this.

Every game is live on the BBC’s platforms and three groundbreaking tournaments are running side by side. Organisers, led by the tournament’s impressive chief executive, Jon Dutton, have promised the biggest and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup. In Newcastle, the talking will finally cease as the men’s tournament begins with England taking on Samoa at St James’ Park.

A crowd approaching 45,000 is expected – presumably not just to watch the pre-match entertainment from the Kaiser Chiefs – and with a five-figure attendance expected at Australia v Fiji later in the evening at Headingley, the biggest opening-day crowd for a Rugby League World Cup is guaranteed.

But that is not the only record organisers hope to set. For the first time, the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will take place simultaneously. It will be a celebration of something rugby league does better than most: championing inclusivity and diversity.

All of this at a time when IMG, the media