Rugby League set for World Cup legacy boost

England hosts the competition in 2021 and Sport England investing £10 million of government money to help the sport grow and become more visible, engaging and welcoming to current and potential participants.

The funding will be split into large transformational community projects, for example refurbishing changing rooms and installing new artificial pitches, and smaller-scale projects such as supplying new kit or equipment to clubs.

All investment will focus on four key areas: creating welcoming environments, encouraging more players, building community engagement and cultivating further investment resulting in an innovation fund for the community game.

Massive benefit
Charles Johnston, property director, said the funding represented the biggest investment into rugby league facilities the country has ever seen.

"With this funding, communities will gain better access to the facilities, improved infrastructure and essential equipment they need to be active," he added.

"We are pleased the investment will provide benefit to people engaging in the men's, women's and wheelchair game, with a focus on those disadvantaged areas where inactivity levels are stubbornly high."

"By focusing our efforts on increasing participation in the game, we're ensuring that the Rugby League World Cup's legacy lasts long after the last ball has been kicked and the crowds have gone home."

Interested parties can pre-register their funding application here.