Canberra has secured three pool matches of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) including a much anticipated Kangaroos’ fixture, as announced today at the Official Tournament Draw.
Rugby League fans of Canberra will get the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of the international game when Canberra Stadium hosts France and Lebanon in Round One action on Sunday 29 October. The home nation – the Kangaroos, coached by Canberra Raiders’ Legend Mal Meninga – will face France in Round Two on Friday 3 November, with the entertaining Fiji Bati to tackle a European Qualifier on Friday 10 November.
Rugby League World Cup 2017 games at GIO Stadium
France v Lebanon - Sunday 29 October
Australia v France - Friday 3 November
Fiji v European Qualifier - Friday 10 November
RLWC2017 Chief Executive Officer, Michael Brown, said the support of the ACT Government has ensured that Rugby League fans from across the region will see the world’s best teams battle it out for the Paul Barrière Trophy.
“Canberrans have a very proud history of supporting Rugby League and we know these passionate fans will embrace hosting the sport’s pinnacle event in their own back yard.”
“In planning this Tournament, we made a deliberate decision to take the Rugby League World Cup to more fans than any World Cup has done before. With the support of the ACT Government, we will give fans in Canberra the opportunity to attend three exciting World Cup games and experience what will be a festival of Rugby League.
“The Rugby League World Cup 2017 will be the greatest sporting event in Australia next year and we look forward to working with the ACT Government to deliver an event that will entertain the world, inspire communities and celebrate Rugby League.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said today’s announcement further enhanced Canberra’s reputation in attracting major global sporting events.
“Canberra has a strong rugby league culture and it’s important for our city to be involved in the World Cup and be a Host City.
“I’m delighted with the matches that will be played here, including the Australian Kangaroos team taking on France.
I’m sure the Canberra community will come out and support all the games in the capital, just like we did during the Asian Cup and the Cricket World Cup.”
‘The event will also see an increase in interstate visitors – supporting the ACT economy during the matches.”
The RLWC2017 will see 14 teams play 28 games over five weeks from 27 October until 2 December 2017 – all hoping to be crowned world champions. In addition to playing matches in Australia and New Zealand, there will be three pool matches played in Papua New Guinea.
With 11 teams already confirmed, the final three teams will come from the European Qualifying Tournament to be played in October and November this year. The teams who are still in the race include Wales, Ireland, Russia, Serbia, Italy and Spain.
To view the Rugby League World Cup 2017 Tournament Draw, go to RLWC2017.com/draw
RLWC2017 Fan packages, including tickets, are on sale now at RLWC2017.com/travel
Tickets will go on general sale on 27 October 2016. Fans should register their interest at RLWC2017.com
