Sydney to host historic Women’s World Cup in 2017

The Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) Organising Committee (OC) has announced that for the first time in the sport’s history the Women’s Rugby League World Cup will be held concurrently with the men’s tournament.

With NSW Government funding, Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 pool matches and semi-finals will be played at Southern Cross Group Stadium, the home of NRL Premiership team the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, from 16 November next year, with both the women’s and men’s finals played as a double-header at Brisbane Stadium on 2 December 2017.

RLWC2017 Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Hill, said this historic announcement for international rugby league provides the women’s game with the perfect platform to demonstrate their world-class prowess.

“It has always been the Board’s vision to have the Women’s Rugby League World Cup played concurrently with the men’s tournament and through the strong support of the NSW Government, we have been able to create what is a milestone moment for the sport,” Andrew Hill said.

“It’s only fitting these gifted athletes get the opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage and we see next year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup as a game changer for the sport.

“Female participation in all forms of rugby league is the fastest growing category in the game and women’s international rugby league has made great strides forward in recent years.

“To have both the women’s and men’s finals played on the same day, at the same venue will conclude what will be the greatest ever Rugby League World Cup,” Hill concluded.