With less than 500 days to go until the opening fixture of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021), tournament organisers have announced Preston as the training base for Wales’ men’s team.

The World Cup is coming to England in 2021, with the groundbreaking tournament hosting the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games simultaneously for the first time.

The University of Lancashire’s Sports Arena in Lea will act as the training base for Wales’ men’s side, as they look to make their mark on Rugby League’s biggest stage.

The squads from the 21 nations and 32 teams will be based in different locations.

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All the host cities and towns, including Preston, will form a huge part of making the tournament a success, welcoming players from around the world and adopting them as their own, as they get behind them and cheer them on.

The fixtures for all three tournaments will be announced in the coming months.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said: “This is great news for the people of Preston. It’s a wonderful city and the perfect place for the Wales’ men’s side to prepare for the tournament.

“I am sure they’ll give the Welsh team a fantastic welcome next year and the team can enjoy the fantastic facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UClan) Sports Arena.

“Our refreshed tournament identity and today’s nation base announcement can serve as an exciting reminder of what’s to come as we continue to build momentum towards what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.”

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Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, said: “On behalf of the city of Preston I am delighted to welcome the Welsh Rugby League men’s team to the city.

“It is a privilege for Preston to be part of such an inclusive tournament bringing together men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams from across the world for the first time in a celebration of diversity and sport.”

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “It’s fantastic news to hear we’ll be hosting the Welsh team at the UCLan Sports Arena – it is the perfect training venue.

“We have a long history of welcoming international sports teams to use our outstanding facilities with Ireland and Fiji having trained here the last time the Rugby League World Cup was on home soil.

“Now with Wales coming to the city in 2021 I’m sure our students and the local community will feel excited and inspired to really feel a part of this international sporting event.”

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