Doncaster to find out if it will host Rugby League World Cup this month

Doncaster submitted its final bid to the competition's organisers in July in the hope of convincing them the city should be given a taste of the 2021 tournament.

The Free Press is campaigning in support of the bid, and now, Jon Dutton, chief executive of the RLWC 2021, said the board will announce the host cities on Tuesday, January 29.

He said: 'I am both pleased and proud of the progress we have made with a small and dedicated team. I have to temper that with the realisation that we haven't delivered anything yet and ultimately we will be rightly measured on outcomes.

'We had decided that if we wanted to stage another World Cup in England, it had to be bolder and braver than ever before  '“ and in doing so, it had to capture the imagination of the wider population.

'Despite the unprecedented and seemingly never-ending instability in Whitehall, we won the biggest award of public funding into any sporting event since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

'It is a funding award that shows intent from both the public and private sector that this tournament has to go beyond the sporting element and deliver great social benefit.'

The bid submitted is for Doncaster to host three Rugby League World Cup 2021 games at the Keepmoat Stadium during the tournament in October 2021.

It also seeks to host teams in Doncaster during the tournament, using hotels and training facilities available in the town.

Mr Dutton said: 'As the RLWC2021 board deliberates on its final venue selections, it is fiercely important to acknowledge the incredible bids that we have received.

'Some towns and cities have been vocal and have run great PR campaigns, others have quietly beavered away ensuring that they have got buy-in at all levels. What binds everyone left in the competition is a huge desire to play a part in this event.

'Whilst not pre-judging any decisions, there will be a big focus on cities, and there will be a significant footprint in London. But crucially our commitment to the Government of delivering 80 per cent of the tournament in the Northern Powerhouse will be met.

'Rugby League was born in the North of England, 123 years ago, in the summer of 1895. The sport has a rich and proud heritage and at times has grappled with its identity, particularly around expansion. Rugby League has also overcome much adversity but remains a true innovator.

'I am hugely excited about delivering what will be the biggest team tournament in 2021, predominantly in the Northern Powerhouse. 15 million people live and work in the north, in some of the most vibrant, contemporary, cool, productive and diverse towns and cities in the UK.'