Harnessing the â€˜Power of Together' in the most positive way, Rugby League World Cup 2021 will today provide fans with an official one-stop shop for their RLWC2021 ticketing, accommodation and activity needs to deliver experiences to remember at this unique tournament.

RLWC2021’s fan focussed digital platform, ‘Squad Trips’, offers access to tickets for what promises to be the biggest and best RLWC in history and also celebrates the diversity, beauty and appeal of the host towns and cities across England. The variety of accommodation and activity options available on the platform will enable fans to build their own bespoke squad trip.

Book your Squad Trip now!

Tickets and linked accommodation and activity bookings made on the Squad Trips platform will carry the full refund guarantee should there be restrictions on crowds at the event.

The â€˜Squad Trips’ platform will be continually live meaning fans can secure their tickets outside of the official sales windows together with accommodation and other experiences. The platform also gives fans who have already booked their place at RLWC2021 during the Priority Access Sale the chance to add accommodation and activities to their previous ticket purchases and create memories outside of the 80 minutes, offering something for every fan whether they are attending their first match or a loyal supporter. 

Available from today, fans can plan for the highly anticipated opening weekend in Newcastle on 23 October 2021 and the closing weekend of the double header finals in Manchester on 27 November 2021. To book fans should visit: rlwc2021.com/squadtrips. Additional towns, cities and suppliers will be added in the coming weeks.

The priority access ticket launch has exceeded early expectations as the Rugby League Family showed their appetite and passion on mass for what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League tournament in history.

Open to the Rugby League faithful, fans who had signed up to the RLWC2021 mailing list, on 21 September and closed yesterday (1 October). It will open again exclusively on Saturday 3 October at 9:00am to communities within the host towns and cities, as well as for members associated with clubs who play at the 21 World Cup venues.

While the domestic UK market has driven most of the positive ticket sales, there have been purchases from fans based in Australia as well as other markets such as the United States, Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland and Switzerland.

The matches in highest demand are the opening weekend in Newcastle, the Men’s and Women’s double header final weekend at Old Trafford, Manchester and the semi-final at Emirates Stadium in London.

In this unique tournament, which features the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events running concurrently for the first time, there has also been high demand for the Wheelchair final at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

With tickets having been sold for all 61 matches at the tournament, which begins at Newcastle’s iconic St James’ Park on 23 October 2021 when hosts England play against Samoa, there is now a chance for fans to continue to buy or enhance their RLWC2021 experience if they’ve already purchased tickets in the priority access sale.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 CEO, said: 

“The early demand for tickets has been extremely encouraging. The fact that so many fans from the Rugby League Family bought tickets in the first Priority Access Sale shows how important this tournament is to people.”

“Rugby League fans from the UK and across the world have demonstrated their loyalty and optimism for the ‘Power of Together. I want to reiterate my thanks to those that have bought the first tickets for their support and the belief they have shown in the tournament at a difficult time.”

Jonathan Neill, Commercial Director at RLC2021, added: 

“Squad Trips provides an efficient and valuable platform to the thousands of fans wanting to attend matches at Rugby League World Cup 2021, whilst also supporting and celebrating the tourism sector in our host towns and cities.”

“We want to play a part in the recovery of the sector moving forward, provide positive social impacts within our communities, and help drive tourism across England. With over 80% of RLWC2021 matches being played in the Northern Powerhouse, ‘Squad Trips’ will help drive value and volume across the country and create memorable experiences and engagement for our fans.”

The remaining tickets will go into a public ballot, which will open from 23 October 2020 – exactly one year before the opening match of the tournament – for the most accessible and affordable tournament ever. It is the first time that a Rugby League World Cup has ever held a public ballot – such is the interest and appetite of fans.

Organisers are recognising the work, effort, dedication, and sheer determination of key workers in the UK through providing 20,021 free tickets via an application process which closes on 13 October 2020. For details of how to apply visit: rlwc2021.com/keyworkertickets 

Tourism suppliers interested in becoming part of ‘Squad Trips’ by offering their accommodation, activity or attraction to fans should contact rlwc2021@txgb.co.uk. There is no fee to join ‘Squad Trips’ for suppliers, with only commissions and booking fees payable.