Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) will reward frontline heroes by providing 20,021 free tickets as a mark of gratitude for their contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said: “Our tournament slogan is the Power of Together and never has this been more visible in everyday life than the way the NHS and other frontline workers have responded during the recent crisis.

“In sport we talk a lot about heroes, but these are true heroes in our communities, and we are delighted, to show our gratitude in this small way.”

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The unique tournament will be one of the most accessible and affordable for fans with more than 80 per cent of tickets priced below £50.

Preston will play its part by hosting the Wales’ men’s team training base at the city’s UCLan sports arena.

This is the first time in history the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will be held at the same time and prices will begin at £2.21 for children (Under 16) and £10 for adults across all three tournaments.

The Rugby League family will be rewarded for their loyal support through a priority access sale window on Monday 21 September, 2020 and then, with one year to the tournament on Friday 23 October, 2020, the Public Ballot will open with any remaining tickets going out on general sale from early 2021.

Fans will be able to apply for up to 10 tickets across 61 fixtures and up to six tickets for the Final.

To take part in the priority access sale fans will need to sign up here.

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Ahead of the priority access sale, fans will receive information on ticket bundles which will include tickets for multiple matches at one or more locations to be bought at a promotional rate.

Tournament organisers have guaranteed a refund for all ticket buyers should there be restrictions on crowds at the event and to reassure fans in the unfortunate circumstance the event has to be cancelled.

Jon Dutton, said: “I am delighted that we can offer the most accessible, fair priced and highly anticipated RLWC to fans not only here in England but also those from across the world.

“This tournament will be unique with so much world class Rugby League action and wherever you look you can see that the tournament provides great value for fans.

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“There is a real opportunity for fans to not only support their own nation, but also the realistic and affordable possibility of seeing some of the other high-profile games and maybe adopting a second team in the tournament.”

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Terri Lynam, Customer Director at RLWC2021 said: “We know that the demand will be high from not only our core fans but also from the new fans who want to be a part of the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history, and we urge everyone to buy early to avoid disappointment.

“At RLWC2021, we understand that these are uncertain times with the global COVID-19 pandemic, and we have conducted in-depth research around consumer confidence.

“That is why we will offer flexible interest free purchase options as well as a full refund on tickets should there be Government restrictions which lead to reduced capacities or if the event is cancelled due to circumstances out of our control.”

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What do you think of the ticket offer for frontline workers? Tell us in the comments below.