Rugby League World Cup Secures Official University Partner

Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) has announced Manchester Metropolitan University as its Official University Partner. The sponsorship will include the two organisations collaborating to deliver research, integrate the  facilities the University has with the tournament, and engage with a range of audiences, including the student community.

In 2021, England will welcome nations to the 16th Rugby League World Cup and  for the first time in its history, the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games will be played concurrently - championing inclusivity. Manchester is one of the host cities at RLWC2021, with Old Trafford the venue for both the men’s and women’s finals on the same day.

The new sponsorship will see Manchester Metropolitan conduct research into the RLWC2021 hosting strategy and assess the positive social impact of the tournament via a full PhD scholarship. This will focus on areas of the RLWC2021 ‘InspirationALL’ legacy programme, with activities to improve the economic and social wellbeing of communities.

In addition, over 30,000 Manchester Metropolitan students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures will be engaged with RLWC2021, with opportunities such as volunteering and work experience provided to students to increase aspirations, improve personal development and prepare them as future leaders.

Manchester Metropolitan’s facilities will also be integrated into the RLWC2021 tournament delivery, including team training, base camps and the Festival of World Cups, which will include the Emerging Nations, Student and Armed Forces competitions.

Jonathan Neill, Commercial Director at RLWC2021 commented: “Our partnership with Manchester Metropolitan is built around meeting shared mutual objectives. This will positively impact the tournament in many ways, from inspiring and exciting the next generation, to demonstrating our legacy via innovative research which can be used as a blueprint for future events. The breadth of Manchester Metropolitan’s expertise, capability and engagement will support our vision to deliver the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever.”

 Professor Malcolm Press, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “With the strength of our research expertise spanning the science, business, policy and culture of sport, we are excited about what can be achieved through our partnership with Rugby League World Cup 2021. Our shared values around the importance of community and sustainability will be at the forefront of the work we will do together. This will be a global celebration of rugby league, and also a demonstration of the power of sport to bring communities together.”