Rugby League World Cup 2021 public ballot opens to Wigan residents as one year countdown clock starts

With exactly one year to go, world renowned poet and proud Northerner Tony Walsh today captures the passion, excitement and community pride that epitomises the unique and inclusive spirit of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

The poem, The Power of Together, is a rallying call from Manchester-born Walsh, also known as Longfella, for communities across the country to play their part in supporting the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.

As the public ticket ballot opens and the tournament comes into sight, Walsh urges fans to not miss out and play their part in making the tournament one to remember – “Help us bring it, help us sing it; help us make the planet tremble, The Rugby League World Cup is coming. Squads assemble!”

The public ticket ballot - the first in Rugby League World Cup history - opened at 9am today and will remain open for applications until 16 November 2020 at 20:21. Fans will be able to apply for tickets for each of the 61 matches across all three tournaments, with tickets in each price band at every game available.

Following the unprecedented demand during the Rugby League family priority access sale, fans are encouraged to apply for a wide selection of matches or use the Powerplay option to have a better chance of seeing their favourite team play during RLWC2021.

Fans are reminded that the public ticket ballot will be the last opportunity to buy a ticket to the tournament at 2020 promotional rates, ticket prices will increase from 1 January 2021. To apply for tickets in the Public Ticket Ballot, applicants must register an account via the official Rugby League World Cup 2021 Ticketing website, which can be accessed via rlwc2021.com/tickets

Wigan and Leigh will play host to three fixtures when RLWC2021 comes to England next year, as well as acting as the training base for Lebanon's men's team.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 CEO, said today: “We are thrilled that a figure such as Tony who, like Rugby League, is a huge part of Northern culture has helped us mark a year to go to the tournament with this iconic poem and video – filmed at the RLWC2021 tournament final venue – Old Trafford, Manchester.

‘’Tony captures everything that is great about our game and the tournament, particularly the special way it is woven into the fabric of the North of England and the positive social impact the tournament is delivering.”

“23 October is a day we have all been looking forward to as the one-year countdown begins to the opening match in Newcastle between England and Samoa in 2021. But also, today is a landmark moment not just for the tournament but also the sport of Rugby League as we have the opportunity to welcome many potential future Rugby League fans to the sport through the Public Ticket ballot.”

Dutton added: “The ballot provides a brilliant chance for anybody who wants to attend RLWC2021 and watch the most exciting and competitive Rugby League available and be part of sporting history next autumn.”

“Wigan and Leigh have a big part to play in next years’ tournament, and with just one year to go, we can feel the excitement and tension mounting as the world’s best will be coming to Wigan and Leigh.”

Leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux, said: “RLWC 2021 will be viewed across the world and with that we have a fantastic opportunity to inspire a new generation of athletes in Wigan and Leigh.

“Wigan Borough is synonymous with Rugby League and next year’s tournament will be a key event in our calendar as we get to showcase everything we have to offer on a global stage.

“We look forward to welcoming all five men’s teams and their respective fans to Leigh Sports Village which is a fantastic facility in the borough. None more so than Lebanon who we are thrilled to be hosting for the duration of the tournament.”

Manchester poet Tony Walsh, aka Longfella, added: “Themes like passion and a sense of community are often features of my poetry and few sports can rival Rugby League for these things. So the invitation to capture the spirit of the game and to help build excitement for a world class sporting event, right here on our doorsteps, was one that I couldn’t resist. Sport has a unique capacity to unite and inspire us and we need that more than ever in these most challenging of times. 12 months to go. “Squads assemble!”