Date: 14/6/13 #EnglandRL

The RFL is delighted to announce that the England squad will be based at Loughborough University in the build-up to and during Rugby League World Cup 2013.

The England team will arrive in Loughborough in mid-October to commence their preparations for the tournament that will bring together the top 14 Rugby League teams in the world to compete over five weeks at venues across England, Wales, Ireland and France.

The announcement was made at this week’s Loughborough camp, held in preparation for the International Origin Match, England v Exiles – a team comprising the cream of overseas talent drawn from Super League – at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, on Friday (June 14, 8.00pm).

England have been frequent visitors to the University since their first preparation camp back in October 2010.

England coach Steve McNamara said: “We chose Loughborough for a number of reasons. Firstly we were looking for an elite sporting environment, which Loughborough fits the bill.

“We also wanted to take the players out their comfort zone away from normal environments. Plus in the past we have been a bit nomadic, so we wanted to create our own identity here.”

England captain Kevin Sinfield said: “There’s a familiarly with us coming to Loughborough now. Over the last two and half years we have built and improved a lot having this as our base.

“To be in this sort of environment where everybody here is trying to learn, improve or better themselves, we fit in great because that’s what we are trying to do.

“The (Burleigh Court) hotel is fantastic and they really look after us. The facilities here are as good as you can get anywhere and really suit what we need.”

For the University the announcement builds on the momentum from hosting Team GB last year prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Peter Keen, Director of Sport at Loughborough University, said: “It is hugely significant to have a team like England Rugby League here preparing for the biggest matches of their lives.

“For me, it validates everything that we are about and stand for. It confirms that we have what you need to operate at the highest level in sport, that we are able to put together the kind of environment, package and support that makes sense for them, given the choices they have, to come and prepare here.

“For us it is also that opportunity to learn, to study and to interact with sport practice at the very highest level. It’s that classic win-win.”

Rugby League World Cup 2013 starts on October 26 with a clash between fierce rivals England and Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The final will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on November 30.

Tickets for the 2013 International Origin Game, England v Exiles at The Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, cost from just £20 (£15 students and OAPs, £10 concessions) and are now on sale from the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or online at www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk Tickets can also be purchased from The Halliwell Jones Stadium Ticket Office.

Further information on RLWC2013, including fixtures and ticket details, can be found on the Rugby League World Cup 2013 website at www.rlwc2013.com

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