World Cup 2021 - Kiwis set for York, Samoa to Doncaster and Ireland go to Leeds

With 500 days to go until the opening fixture at St James’ Park in Newcastle, organisers yesterday revealed where each of the 21 nations will be located during the competition. Tournament hosts England and holders Australia will both be based in Manchester as they set off on the journey to try and reach the final at Old Trafford while York will see the Kiwis, among others, stay and train there.

However, Leeds will welcome six teams – more than any other – including the men’s teams from Jamaica and Ireland plus the England, Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Canada women’s sides.

Manchester United and England footballer Jesse Lingard announced who would be based in Manchester while world champion boxer Josh Warrington did likewise for his home city of Leeds as part of the ‘homeschooling’ social media reveal.

RLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton said: “It was great first of all just to have some fun.

“We heard from different people – Michael Vaughan appeared in the Sheffield video, Tanni Grey-Thompson in London and so on.

“There was a nice blend of athletes and celebrities mixed in with the players and coaches themselves as well as Miss E – (nine-year-old) Ellie – who we brought back to do the homeschooling lessons!

“We’re full steam ahead now and looking forward to a tournament which is huge for the sport,” he added

As well as the New Zealand men’s, York also welcomes Australia, New Zealand, France and Cook Islands women’s teams. Hull host the Fiji men’s team and Middlesbrough football club captain George Friend explained to Cook Islands what they can expect when in Tees Valley.

Doncaster are hosting three games at next year’s tournament and it was revealed Samoa will be staying and training in the South Yorkshire town.

Sheffield welcome Greece, as well as the France, Wales, Scotland and USA wheelchair sides. St Helens coach Kristian Woolf sees his Tonga side located there with St Helens and Liverpool also hosting the Italy men’s side.

France will stay in Bolton, Newcastle host Scotland, Wales will be based in Preston, Papua New Guinea will prepare in 
Warrington and Leigh will entertain Lebanon during the tournament.

The England, Australia, Norway and Spain wheelchair sides will all reside in London.

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