2013 (2013) World Cup  ()
Host country	United Kingdom
Tournaments  < 2008 2017 >

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will be the fourteenth staging of the Rugby League World Cup. The tournament will be held in the United Kingdom.^[1]

The Rugby League International Federation has confirmed this competition as a part of its international programme. The RLIF announced a five year plan to build up to the 2013 World Cup with the Four Nations tournament to be held in 2009, 2010 and 2011. It is hoped that more regular international competition will help develop the game.

2013 was chosen as the year of the World Cup to avoid a clash with the London Olympics in 2012.^[2] After 2013, the Cup will be held on a quadrennial cycle.

[edit] Host selection

In addition to the United Kingdom, Australia had announced its intention to bid for the hosting rights, despite hosting the previous World Cup in 2008.^[3] The Australian Rugby League had been preparing a rival bid due to the success of the 2008 event but the business plan presented by the Rugby Football League for the UK to be the host was accepted by the RLIF at a meeting in July 2009.^[2][4] This event forms part of what's being dubbed a 'Golden Decade' in British Sport.^[1]

The UK last hosted the World Cup in 2000, with the event generally considered unsuccessful.^[2]

[edit] Teams

The home nations will compete separately again as England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales subject to qualification. The competition will likely be expanded to twelve teams, up from ten in 2008.^[4][5]

[edit] References

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