Australia and New Zealand will co-host the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, it was announced today.
The Rugby League International Federation wasted no time in assessing the two bids on the table, one of which was from South Africa, to allow maximum planning time.
RLIF vice-chairman Nigel Wood said: “This was not a simple decision but with fans of international Rugby League buoyed by the recent success of RLWC2013, we were determined to get it right.
“Both bids were thoroughly compelling but the joint Australia/New Zealand bid was selected as the one with the greatest chance of success in providing more compelling games in world class environments in front of big, passionate crowds.
“The bid from South Africa was very strong, prepared professionally and clearly demonstrated a passion for Rugby League that is growing by the day in that country.”
Details of the qualifying competition for the tournament and the Festival of World Cups will be decided by the RLIF and announced in due course.
