Rugby league is searching for a new host for the 2025 World Cup after French organisers withdrew, citing financial issues.
Australia and New Zealand are being mooted as possible hosts, perhaps jointly, though likely with a delay to 2026.
The two nations co-hosted in 2017 with three matches also being played in Papua New Guinea. Australia last hosted the event alone in 2008. The 2021 edition of the tournament was held in England having been delayed to 2022 by COVID-19.
France won the bid to host the 2025 World Cup in January 2022 but in recent days it has become clear there were funding problems after a reduction in government backing.
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“Despite all the work carried out by the organising committee, it hasn’t been possible to fully secure the risk of a deficit,” organisers said.
“Despite the interest shown in this unique sport … the board had to decide to renounce organising this major international competition, which the International Rugby League had entrusted to France.
“The conditions of financial viability initially defined by the state to support the project, set in January 2022, were not fully met, despite the search for solutions and the additional three months granted by the state to the organising committee at the end of 2022.”
Chanel Harris-Tavita lays motionless in Manchester during the World Cup final. (Photo by Dave Howarth – CameraSport via Getty Images)
The ambitious tournament was planned to be rugby league’s biggest to date with four tournaments running simultaneously: men’s, women’s and wheelchairs, each with 16 teams, and a youth competition, for a total of 128 matches.
In a statement later on Monday, International Rugby League (IRL) said it expected to be able to inform member nations of planned qualifying matches and alternative fixtures by July.
“The French government, particularly the Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, supported the bid team financially and granted additional time to meet benchmarks…,” IRL chair Troy Grant said.
“I respect the French government’s decision amid the challenges they are facing but I can’t hide my disappointment, that I conveyed clearly to them in person.
“Despite our focus having been on France, we will now accelerate our consideration of other contingency options.”
The French men’s and women’s teams were beaten 64-0 by England in back-to-back thrashings last month but their wheelchair team had reached the last three global finals.
France will host this year’s men’s rugby union World Cup from September 8-October 28.
sheek
Roar Guru
Nat – Am I……….?
deucer
Roar Rookie
Therein lies the problem, Nat. France can and would get past the likes of Greece, Ireland or Lebanon if they had Greek, Irish or Lebanese players and not Aust/NZ D E and F teams. France 60 years ago could, although rarely, beat Australia. Even 30 years ago they could beat the Australian B team. Now they can't get past the Australian D, E or F team - that shows how far the game has fallen there. They shouldn't be gifted entry, but they should suffer floggings if they play against teams with players from their own country and not Aust/NZ rejects if they aren't up to it.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
men’s, women’s and wheelchairs, each with 16 teams, and a youth competition, for a total of 128 matches. There's the problem right there. Too many games. It will be interesting to see what happens if Australia does end up (co-)hosting the RLWC given that RU Lions are touring Australia in 2025 with their 10,000 fans and venues already booked; surely even RA can't be THAT incompetent not to have booked the dates in??
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Oh I keep up alright. Its really easy when all you have to do is check one place to see all the results. Yeah that great 800k audience that watched the League WC final last year eh. Massive Nat. Try to keep up great grandpa
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
No Jimmy, I didn't. There were exactly zero vendors selling merchandise and those fans I spoke with didn't want to swap. I put my Storm shirt on which I thought would be very desirable up there but I didn't get any takers. Even that buxom Wigan lass wouldn't peel off to swap me. I have to admit that it was a Wigan shirt I was after rather than Catalans but most of the French headed home after the match.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I am jealous you went to that . Did you manage to score a Catalans jersey from that match. ? Great jersey.
ScouseinOz
Roar Rookie
I think France need to do better generally. Their playing pool is alot better than the results they've achieved recently. Some players like Theo Fages don't even seem to want to actually play for France. I just personally think there is a great 8 team comp in there. As a big rugby league fan I don't care if RUWC has 20 teams and FIFA have 32 or 40. Keep it at 8 for now and then grow to 10 in future if and when the time comes.
ScouseinOz
Roar Rookie
Sorry, I mean handing out spots to get up to 16 teams. Scotland, Ireland and Italy barely have any amateur RL clubs and dont actually hit the basic standards some years. The heritage players put their hand up to play and have done some great things and won't knock their effort but sadly they are literally there to make up the numbers. Wales, France and even Serbia try more to develop alot more grassroots but don't get any reward except hopefully some long term gains in the future.
ScouseinOz
Roar Rookie
That's true but Rugby has more of an event culture (especially in the British Isles) than Rugby League. I know a few people that would pay hundreds to watch a Six Nations match but wouldn't watch Sale or Cardiff Blues for free. I also think most League fans love a contest. It doesn't matter the level so long as its easily matched. I remember St Helens beating Wigan 70 odd nil in 2005 - it was actually more boring than depressing. St Helens got the ball and scored tries without any resistance and played within themselves. There was no tension. Because League is primarily a territory based game it thrives when every metre; offload or break counts. It's why State of Origin matches generally and England - NZ matches last decade were brilliant. Players were pushed to do great things, because they had to. I think the RLWC tries too hard to expand too quickly. The knockout stages of the last one had some brilliant matches. There's a great competition in there but it just needs to walk before it runs.
Col in Paradise
Roar Rookie
Maybe Vlandys should take the RLWC to Vegas.!!!...good for the betting boys..
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't go that far, I don't mind the odd game of Union.
Dionysus
Roar Rookie
Ha ha, I did the same a few years back. Told Ariadne we were going on a romantic trip to Spain and we just happened to be in Barcelona when Wigan played Les Catalans. Rugby League trips to exotic places are easy if you plan well in advance.
Nat
Roar Guru
It very much seems you're ok with Aust and NZ pinching every decent Poli player to wear their jumper but if a bloke chooses to represent their family... you worry yourself quite a bit about that.
Nat
Roar Guru
Yes, in England. Known as a laughing stock. League had its WC late let year. Aust won. Try and keep up son.
Nico
Roar Rookie
To generate some healthy financial competition perhaps the International Rugby League board can auction off hosting rights to the highest bidding Australian state. Qld will always stump up a truckload of cash for more rugby league, perhaps even opting for "magic month" by staging every fixture at Suncorp
sheek
Roar Guru
Nat, I'm just as likely to stick it up rugby union, so don't worry yourself about that, both rugby codes have descended down the imbecilic path...
Jacko
Roar Rookie
The wallabies play league???? Sorry Nat the Wallabies are known overseas. They are even attending a world cup in France. Hows that going for the League fraternity?
RuckingFun
Roar Rookie
Well no one seems to want to host it so…
Redcap
Roar Guru
Oh no, the quince paste set don't approve of our World Cup. :shocked: Shut it down, people.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Aaah, you can always rely in the French. Yeah right ! :unhappy: