The countdown has begun with world renowned poet and proud Northerner Tony Walsh capturing the passion, excitement and community pride that epitomises the unique and inclusive spirit of the Rugby League World Cup 2021.
The poem, The Power of Together, is a rallying call from Manchester-born Walsh, also known as Longfella, for communities across the country to play their part in supporting the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.
As the public ticket ballot opened and the tournament comes into sight, Walsh urged fans to not miss out and play their part in making the tournament one to remember – “Help us bring it, help us sing it; help us make the planet tremble, The Rugby League World Cup is coming. Squads assemble!”
The public ticket ballot – the first in Rugby League World Cup history – will remain open for applications until 16 November 2020 at 20:21. Fans will be able to apply for tickets for each of the 61 matches across all three tournaments, with tickets in each price band at every game available, including the eight fixtures in Leeds.
Following the unprecedented demand during the Rugby League family priority access sale, fans are encouraged to apply for a wide selection of matches or use the Powerplay option* to have a better chance of seeing their favourite team play during RLWC2021.
Fans are reminded that the public ticket ballot will be the last opportunity to buy a ticket to the tournament at 2020 promotional rates, ticket prices will increase from 1 January 2021. To apply for tickets in the Public Ticket Ballot, applicants must register an account via the official Rugby League World Cup 2021 Ticketing website, which can be accessed via rlwc2021.com/tickets
As well as Leeds playing host to eight fixtures when RLWC2021 comes to England next year, it is also acting as the training base for Jamaica and Ireland (Men’s) and England, Papua New Guinea, Brazil and Canada (Women’s) teams.
Manchester poet Tony Walsh, aka Longfella, added: “Themes like passion and a sense of community are often features of my poetry and few sports can rival Rugby League for these things. So the invitation to capture the spirit of the game and to help build excitement for a world class sporting event, right here on our doorsteps, was one that I couldn’t resist. Sport has a unique capacity to unite and inspire us and we need that more than ever in these most challenging of times.
Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the Rugby League World Cup to our city. Given everything that has happened during this past year, having a major sporting event take place on our doorstep will hopefully be the light at the end of the tunnel for some.”
* Should you miss out on tickets when your match ballot is drawn, ‘Powerplay’ automatically puts you into the ballot for tickets to the same match but in the next price category up. RLWC2021 will run the lowest priced ballots first so if you use Powerplay, your original choice will always be given priority.
