South Africa and Joint Australia & New Zealand Bids Confirmed for 2017 Rugby League World Cup

The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has approved expressions of interest to host the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) from South Africa and a joint bid from Australia and New Zealand.

Formal bids are now expected from the countries. Bids will be assessed by a specially formed RLIF board sub-committee, buy who will make a recommendation to the board. Nigel Wood, RLIF deputy chairman and 2013 RLWC tournament director, will chair the sub-committee.

Bids are due in November 2013 and a decision is expected to be announced in January 2014.

Wood said: “It is fantastic to see three nations all with an active interest in hosting the next tournament as that clearly demonstrates a growing, global interest in rugby league. The RLIF has established a thorough assessment process for the bids, to ensure that the tournament is awarded to the best host.”

South Africa have never hosted the Rugby League World Cup. Australia have staged the tournament on four occasions, including jointly with New Zealand in 1968 and 1977.

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