Following the announcement earlier this week that there is to be a Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup showcase event, Rugby League World Cup 2021 is pleased to confirm that the draw for the group stages will be held live on Channel 4’s ‘The Last Leg’ on Friday 29 July.
Adam Hills, The Last Leg presenter and RLWC2021 Tournament Ambassador, revealed the news on Good Morning Britain earlier today as well as confirming his intentions to play in the tournament, with the nation he will play for also to be revealed on 29 July. England, Australia, Wales and New Zealand will all be fielding teams to compete.
Hills said: “From Buckingham Palace to The Last Leg studio, Rugby League certainly knows how to conduct a draw! 29 July will be a big day for the PDRL World Cup – not only learning the fixtures that will take place in Warrington, but also seeing Alex Brooker and Josh Widdicombe do something official for the first time in history. #ILoveRugbyLeagueMe.”
Co-host Josh Widdicombe said: “I have always seen myself as a figure of authority and a stickler for the rules, so I am delighted to be given this opportunity to conduct a World Cup draw. I promise to do all I can to make sure it is a fair and legal draw and if that isn’t possible then I promise to make it go as badly as possible for Australia.”
Fellow co-host Alex Brooker added: “If you’ve got me trying to get a ball out a bowl it could take a while but I’m excited to be a part of the draw. The main thing of course is that it all ends with England winning!”
Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said:“Not only are we delighted to host the PDRL World Cup showcase event as part of our commitment to be the biggest, best and most inclusive rugby league world cup in history, but we are thrilled to have the support of our tournament ambassador Adam and everyone on The Last Leg. To bring the sport of PDRL to this new audience is a huge step for us in our ambition to create a real impact.”
The PDRL World Cup showcase event will take place in Warrington from 23 – 30 October, with the finals now confirmed to take place at 19:30 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington, following the Samoa vs France men’s game. Ticket holders for this game are welcome to stay and watch.
