The International Rugby League (IRL) has officially confirmed that the 2030 Rugby League World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States and the Pacific Islands, marking a historic shift in the sport’s global footprint. While the five specific host cities remain under wraps, the governing body emphasized that the men’s and women’s competitions will run concurrently, mirroring the structure of the current record-breaking tournament in Australia. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the surge in viewership and crowd attendance seen in recent years, leveraging new frontiers to maximize interest from broadcasters and government partners.
IRL confirms expansion bid as men’s and women’s tournaments grow in scale
IRL Chairman Tony Grant announced the plans at the board’s annual general meeting in Sydney, framing the expansion as a critical step to grow the game in regions where it has never previously been staged. “This is a strategy to maximise the interest of broadcasters, government partners and fans,” Grant stated, highlighting the desire to tap into the massive media markets of North America while strengthening ties with the Pacific. The decision underscores a dual approach: consolidating the sport’s dominance in traditional hubs while aggressively pursuing growth in emerging territories.
Beyond the geographic expansion, the 2030 edition will feature significant format changes to increase competitive depth. The men’s tournament will expand from 10 to 12 teams, while the women’s event will grow from eight to 10 participants. These adjustments signal a commitment to broadening the competitive field and enhancing the spectacle, ensuring the World Cup remains a premier global sporting event as it heads into the next decade.
Source: Yahoo Sports
