Rugby League World Cup gets major government boost
The federal government is showing its support for women’s rugby league and the 2026 World Cup, tipping more than $12 million into the three-pronged tournament.
The 2026 Rugby League World Cup, including the womenâs tournament where the Jillaroos will defend their crown, has received a multi-million dollar funding boost from the federal government.
Featuring 10 menâs, eight womenâs and eight wheelchair teams, the three tournaments will run parallel, jointly hosted by Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
The 26 teams from 16 nations will feature in 51 matches across five weeks, with Fiji and Wales making their first appearance in the womenâs draw.
Australia and New Zealand open the menâs competition on Friday, October 15 at Sydneyâs Allianz Stadium while the Jillaroos play Samoa in the first womenâs pool match a day later across town at CommBank Stadium.
Games will mostly be held in Australia, although PNG will host two menâs and womenâs round robin matches while a double-header will be held at the Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
The tournament was set to be played in France in 2025 but was shifted after a change in government meant organisers couldnât secure financial support.
But the Australian government has announced it is tipping in $12.4 million in funding with a âstrong focus on supporting the womenâs competition, as womenâs rugby league continues to go from strength to strengthâ.
The money will go towards planning, logistics and delivery of the showpiece event.
âAustralians love rugby league and this World Cup is a chance to show that to the world,â Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement.
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âThis is about packed stadiums, local jobs, children seeing their heroes up close and communities coming together around a game they love.
âThe World Cup will bring communities together across Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, strengthen regional ties and create memories that fans will never forget.â
The Jillaroos thrashed New Zealand by 50 points in the final of the 2022 tournament held in England, while the Kangaroos are also the current title-holders, downing Samoa 30-10 to claim a record-extending 12th crown.
-with AAP
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