International Rugby League has today launched invitations to tender (ITT) for three Rugby League World Cups in three years
• IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2028
• IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2029
• IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup in 203
The IRL Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the game and there is now an opportunity for more organisations to be involved in the staging of these prestigious events.
The Rugby League World Cup was established in France in 1954 and is the second oldest tournament of its type in sport, after the FIFA World Cup.
The Women’s Rugby League World Cup has been transformational for female players and the game, with a professional NRLW competition established after the 2017 tournament and both the standard and number of playing nations continuing to grow at a significant rate each year.
The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup generated huge interest and excitement in England last year, with record attendances and millions of television viewers marvelling at the intensity of matches and skills of the players.
In recognition of the rapid development of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup and the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, the IRL board has decided that after RLWC2026 these events will be staged as stand-alone tournaments.
In addition, a new IRL Wheelchair Rugby League Intercontinental Championship will be established in 2028.
IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “International Rugby League is pleased to launch the tender process for the 2028 Women’s, 2029 Wheelchair and 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cups.
“The establishment of an international calendar until 2030 enables International Rugby League to work with broadcast partners, sponsors and governments to plan for the game’s long-term future.
“Among the many benefits of the international calendar is that we are now able to schedule three Rugby League World Cups in three years and provide more organisations with an opportunity to host one or more of the game’s flagship events.”
Organisations interested in bidding for one or more Rugby League World Cups – the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2028, the IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2029 (including the opportunity to bid for a new tournament, the IRL Wheelchair Rugby League Intercontinental Championship, in 2028) and the IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2030 – need to submit their expression(s) of interest by midnight GMT on November 3, 2023.
Following a submission of an expression of interest, a non-disclosure agreement will be provided, after which a full ITT pack will be sent to the organisation expressing interest.
