Sydney to host historic Women’s Rugby League World Cup

The Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) Organising Committee have 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.

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

The six competing nations for the 2017 tournament will be current world champions Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea wih the final team to come from either Fiji, Tonga, Samoa or the Cook Islands following the Pacific Qualifying Series to be played this October.

Announcing the tournament, RLWC2017 Chief Executive 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.

Hill explained “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.

“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.”

NSW Minister for Sport Stuart Ayres said women’s international rugby league continues to go from strength to strength and the Women’s World Cup will be a massive drawcard for fans.

Minister Ayres added “it’s a huge coup for NSW to make the Women’s World Cup happen and Sydney is the perfect location to welcome visitors to enjoy these exciting matches.

“Our female players are bringing global recognition to the game and I encourage all fans to attend the Women’s World Cup next year where they will witness the tremendous talent we have in our game.”

Previously the Women’s Rugby League World Cup was part of the user-pays Festival of World Cups that featured tournaments for women, defence, police, wheelchair and universities.

The draw for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 will be announced following the Pacific qualifying series.

Tickets to the double-header final at Brisbane Stadium on Saturday 2nd December 2017 will go on general sale at 10.00am AEST on 27th October 2016.

For more information go to www.RLWC2017.com

Main image shows players at the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, Courtesy of Narelle Spangher.

2nd September 2016 - VENUES ANNOUNCED FOR HSBC WORLD RUGBY WOMEN’S SEVENS SERIES 2016/17

11th August 2016 - NRL NAMES ANDREW HILL AS RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE

20th July 2016 - RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP 2017 FINAL SET FOR BRISBANE

28th August 2015 - RECORD GROWTH IN WOMEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE

14th May 2015 - NRL CELEBRATES WOMEN IN RUGBY LEAGUE

24th June 2015 - WOMEN’S SPORT IS A SERIOUSLY UNTAPPED MARKET