Quote:

 

Published Date: 03 September 2009
Town Hall chiefs have welcomed the news that the next Rugby League World Cup will be held in the UK.
Local Tory leader Wally Ashcroft, the council's executive member for culture sport and heritage, said the council will work closely with Saints to make the most of the 2013 tournament.

He said: "It is a great boost for rugby league in the UK to se

cure the World Cup in 2013. We will be keen to work with both Saints and the local amateur clubs to maximise the benefits the event will have for rugby league at grass roots level.

"The Sports Development Team are currently finalising the arrangements for a Sports Club Conference on October 1 and I would urge all clubs to attend to discuss how sport in the borough can best work together to benefit from not only the Rugby League World Cup but the other events the UK have already secured - including the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012 and Commonwealth Games in 2014."

The 2008 Rugby League World Cup, run by the Rugby League International Federation, was hailed an outstanding success, attracting more than 290,000 fans, 6,791 tickets sold through travel agents and a global television audience of 19.2m people.

Significantly, the event, held in Australia, was also deemed a commercial success, raising revenue that will be reinvested by the International Federation to strengthen development and grow participation at all levels.

http://www.sthelensreporter.co.uk/st-helens-news/Town-hall-chiefs-pledge-to.5611744.jp