Today marks 500 days to go to the start of Rugby League World Cup 2013, which kicks off with a fantastic double-header at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Host nation England are currently preparing for a two-game series against the Exiles. Captain Jamie Peacock, talking from the squad’s training camp in Loughborough, said:
“These games against the Exiles mark the start of our preparations for RLWC2013. Knowing we have just 500 days before we face Australia in Cardiff puts that into sharp perspective for us. All the players here want to be in that squad next October and will be working hard for the next 16 months.”
Iestyn Harris, coach of co-hosts Wales, also in camp preparing for a fixture with France said:
“The opening fixture of RLWC2013 when Wales play Italy in the Millennium Stadium will be the biggest game this group of players has ever played. When you think of it that way 500 days doesn’t sound very far away.”
Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council's executive member for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in Leeds said:
"This really marks the start of the countdown to RLWC2013, and preparations are already underway to make this a really memorable occasion for Leeds.
“Leeds has a tremendously strong history, tradition, and passion for rugby league, and I know that lots of people will be interested in supporting the event by volunteering with the 500 in 500 volunteer programme.
"With two big games taking place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, and New Zealand and Italy being based in the city, we are confident that the tournament will bring a great deal of excitement and lots of benefits for residents and businesses alike."
500 days to go also marks the launch of the RLWC2013 volunteer recruitment programme. RLWC2013 are looking for 500 volunteers to work across the tournament in various disciplines, in all of the host communities.
RWLC2013 general manager Sally Bolton said:
“We are looking for 500 enthusiastic members of our host communities to support the event as volunteers. With the 500 in 500 programme, we’re offering the chance to be involved in a ‘hands-on’ way in what we believe will be the best rugby league tournament there has ever been.
“Volunteering is now a major part of any big international sports event and this will be a win-win for us and the lucky 500 people who are chosen to represent RLWC2013. We will provide top level opportunities to be involved at some great games like the opening matches at the Millennium Stadium, all the way through to the final at Old Trafford”.
Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the RLWC2013 website for details of how to apply.
RLWC2013 kicks off in Cardiff on October 26 2013 when host nations Wales and England take on Italy and Australia respectively. 14 nations then go head to head in three groups for a place in the semi-finals double-header in the spectacular setting of Wembley Stadium in London. The tournament also visits France and Ireland as RWLC2013 looks to help the game develop in Europe.
Notes for editors
The Rugby League World Cup 2013 is part of the UK’s Golden Decade of Sport.
The tournament will involve 14 nations, Australia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Papa New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga, USA and Wales.
The competition's structure will consist of two groups of four, with England drawn alongside arch rivals Australia, Fiji and Ireland in Group A.
World Cup holders New Zealand will face Pacific Island rivals Papua New Guinea, Samoa and France in Group B. Scotland will face Tonga and Italy in Group C and joint hosts Wales have been drawn against the Cook Islands and the USA in Group D.
The tournament is being part funded by Welsh Government and UK Sport.
Ends
For media enquiries, please contact;
Claire Macklam, Leeds City Council press office (0113) 395 1578
Email: claire.macklam@leeds.gov.uk
Martin Johnston, RLWC2013 communications manager, on 077489 46966 martin.johnston@rlwc2013.com
