TRAFFORD will play host to the men’s and women’s finals of the 2021 Rugby League Cup

The successful bid, led by Trafford Council, sees the men’s and women’s final being played on the same day on November 27, 2021 at Old Trafford ­— a first for a main sport in the UK.

The tournament will see the UK welcome world-class athletes performing on rugby league’s biggest stage.

The last world cup saw England narrowly beaten in the final and Cllr Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, is hoping to see them go one better this time round.

He said: “The Rugby League World Cup will be a great opportunity to showcase the best players in the sport, so it’s fantastic that our borough will also be able to showcase our own jewels in the crown.

“We are so fortunate to have a world famous venue like Old Trafford in our borough and we are developing plans to ensure the walk from the Metrolink to the ground parallels those world-class standards.

“It’s especially pleasing that the women’s world cup final will be on the same day as the men’s final. We are a council that promotes equality and want the world cup to leave a long-lasting legacy that increases participation in sporting activities for all our Trafford residents.”

John Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “Old Trafford has more than 20 years of Grand Final history and also played host to the World Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2013. Manchester United, Trafford Council and partners should be congratulated on their positive and proactive approach to the bid process.

“The women’s and men’s double-header final is not only a UK sporting first, but an incredibly exciting milestone for the sport. We are committed to hosting a fully inclusive tournament and to see the men’s and women’s final being held in the North’s most iconic stadium demonstrates our ambition and values.”

As well as the men’s and women’s competitions, the Wheelchair Rugby World Cup will also be held simultaneously. Organisers believe that the expanded event will attract more live spectators, encourage domestic tourism and longer overseas visitor stays.

The other venues are The University of Bolton Stadium, Leigh Sports Village, the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington and The Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.