Five tendering nations have been confirmed for the IRL Men’s Rugby League World Cup 2030.
Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-30 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments.
For the 2030 Men’s World Cup, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and USA have now moved onto the next stage of bidding.
It is the most geographically extensive bidding group in the men’s competition’s history, dating from 1954.
South Africa had previously bid in 2017, while the United States was awarded preferred host status for RLWC 2025 before financial difficulties prompted IRL to withdraw that status in 2019.
Kenya
Kenya’s bid to host the 2030 Rugby League World Cup is bold but would make a huge impact for the game in Africa. “At times we have to believe in the dream even when others find it a gargantuan task.
Kenya 2030 would change the perception of the world about rugby league,” noted Henry Sisye, chair of Kenya Rugby League’s bid committee. “We believe that we can deliver on such a promise.”
New Zealand
With the Kiwis winning the 2023 Pacific Cup and the Warriors being the first elite club team to sell out every home match in a season, Rugby League in New Zealand has never been stronger. New Zealand has the facilities, knowledge and passion to deliver a successful World Cup in 2030, and leave a lasting legacy for the game.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters said: “Rugby league is experiencing significant growth in New Zealand, with passionate fans and increasing participation levels across the country testament to that.
“Bringing a major rugby league event in the 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup, the pinnacle of our sport, to New Zealand presents New Zealand Rugby League with an opportunity to not only capitalise on that growth but help to further embed rugby league into the fabric of our communities, inspiring those to come.”
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea is the only country in the world in which rugby league is the national sport and has the most passionate fans in the game as well as strong government and corporate support.
“PNGFRL has now hosted a number of International over the last 5-6 years and we have the experiences and the personal to host this event, “said PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hondina.
“Papua New Guinea is a country that is rich in culture, history and has beautiful scenery, we would love to showcase our beautiful country to the rest of the world.”
PNGRFL Chairman Sandis Tsaka said: “Everyone in Papua New Guinea loves rugby league”.
South Africa
South Africa has the facilities and resources to stage the world’s biggest sporting events and a proven track record for doing so the highest level. South Africa RL president, Dr Frans Erasmus, said the Rugby League World Cup was a chance to put the game on the map in South Africa and across Africa.
“We boast a rich history of staging extraordinary international events, and our aim is to add the prestigious IRL Men’s World Cup to that illustrious list,” Dr Erasmus said.
“Rugby league, often referred to here as a sleeping giant, is poised for a transformative moment, with our bid not only capitalising on the growth of the sport in South Africa but also across the continent.
“With the unwavering support of our passionate fans, our world-class facilities and the backing of our dedicated stakeholders, we are confident that South Africa will deliver a truly exceptional IRL World Cup experience, setting a new standard for excellence.”
United States
The United States is the world’s biggest sports market and has an unrivalled reputation for hosting major events.
With a new board and a growing relationship with the NRL, the USARL believe the 2030 World Cup could help take the game to previously unachievable levels in the United States.
“One of our primary strategic objectives is to enhance the visibility and awareness of rugby league throughout the United States,” noted USARL chair Matt Goschnick.
“Bidding for and hosting major sporting events are pivotal as they not only spark interest but also attract critical investment and new partners to the game, all which are needed for sustainable growth.”
Each bid will be assessed in February, followed by a joint announcement of the three hosts.