Australia was announced as the host of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup by the IRL Board today. Australia stepped up to the plate after France stepped away from hosting the 2025 IRL World Cup due to financial constraints, having hosted the Rugby Union World Cup as well as the current Olympics, and will play hosts to the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cups. A total of 10 men’s teams, 8 women’s teams and 8 wheelchair teams will compete for top honours at top stadiums across Australia and Papua New Guinnea.
First held in France in 1954, it is the second oldest World Cup event next to the FIFA World Cup and has had several version since then. The 2026 will be the 17th Edition of the Rugby League World Cup. IRL Chair Troy Grant said: “The Rugby League World Cup is the pinnacle of the sport and RLWC2026 promises to be the best and most competitive ever staged. The condensed format at RLWC2026 will mean every single match is competitive, while the possibility of some games being played as double or triple headers represents great value for fans wanting to see the best Rugby League talent on the planet.”
South Africa started playing rugby league in 1956 when a South African side played against France and England. Since re-admission after the first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has played in the 1995 and 2000 Senior World Cup and in the 2013 Student World Cup with their best performance being in the quarterfinals. The national team is called the Rhino’s and they have an opportunity to qualify for the 2026 IRL World Cup by placing in the top 2 in the 2025 World Series. More details about the World Series will be announced shortly.
Dr Frans Erasmus, SARL President said: “We wish the Australian Rugby League Commission the very best and extend our congratulations on winning the bid to host the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. This is a monumental achievement and a testament to their dedication to the sport. We are equally excited about the prospect of the South African Rugby League qualifying for the 2026 World Cup during the 2025 Rugby League World Series. Such an opportunity is crucial for stimulating and growing further interest in Rugby League in our sport-hungry nation. South Africa is eager to seize this chance and showcase our talent on the world stage.”
South African Rugby League will shortly announce the Pathway to 2026 Campaign and he urges South Africans to get behind the team and support them in qualifying for the 2026 IRL World Cup in Australia.
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