WARRINGTON is gearing up for RLWC2021 later this year with the government’s roadmap now giving a clearer path for reopening the country.
Subject to the coronavirus restrictions being eased in line with the national roadmap, Warrington is taking big steps to prepare for RLWC2021 as a host town. Warrington will be hosting three men’s group games at the Halliwell Jones Stadium:
· New Zealand vs. Lebanon on 24 October;
· Papua New Guinea vs. Cook Islands on 2 November; and
· Samoa vs. France on 7 November
Warrington will also hold the first-ever international showcase for the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) tournament, making use of the new Victoria Park 3G pitch facility, with the PDRL final set to be played at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on 7 November. Coronavirus restrictions permitting, five nations – England, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales – will be participating in the PDRL tournament.
The council is working with partners – including Livewire, Culture Warrington, Warrington Wolves, Wolves Foundation and many more – to roll out RLWC opportunities for Warrington residents. These will range from activities in schools, RLWC themed fitness activities and community-based schemes featuring both the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and the Papua New Guinea players during the time they are with us in Warrington.
The council is also preparing for fanzone areas in the town centre, which will offer the chance to watch matches live and also take part in family-friendly activities, including the chance to meet some of the players.
Cllr Tony Higgins, cabinet member for leisure and community said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the Papua New Guinea men’s team and the PDRL teams to our town from mid-October and showing them Warrington’s great hospitality and passion for rugby league. With the national roadmap now set out, we are making preparations to ensure we make this year’s tournament one to remember.
“Being a host town has also enabled us to access the RLWC ‘Created By’ funding, not only for large projects such as the 3G pitch at Victoria Park, but also for individual clubs, with local grass roots clubs benefitting from over £50K grant funding so far.”
In the build up to the World Cup, the council and its partners will be asking residents with creative and artistic talents to share any RLWC or Papua New Guinea-inspired arts or craftwork they have done for the chance to win tickets to a RLWC game.
If you missed the public ballot for tickets in the autumn, you still have the chance to buy tickets later this year when a new round of sales is expected. There are also some great group ticket purchase deals via the world cup #squadsassemble group ticketing scheme. Visit rlwc2021.com/tickets/groupsaletickets for more information.
For those wanting to support the event by volunteering, applications are now open at rlwc2021.com/volunteers
Look out for rugby league themed activity around the town and in some of our parks throughout the summer. Keep an eye on the council website and follow our Warrington RLWC Facebook (@WtonRlwc21) and Twitter (@WtonRlwc21) for updates, including ticket competitions during the summer
