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Most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever set for kick-off

We’ve invested £23 million in the tournament’s social impact programme.

14th October 2022

The Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Newcastle tomorrow with the event having already made a lasting impact on the communities hosting it.

Comprising the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events, this is the first time they’ve been held concurrently, making it the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever held.

Taking place in 18 different towns and cities across England, the tournament has already made its mark thanks to almost £26 million of investment into its social impact programme - with more than £23m of that total coming from Sport England.

The three RLWC 2021 trophies on display

The event's CreatedBy programme - which is transforming rugby league facilities across the country - has received £22.7m, while £333,000 has been invested into the inclusive and community volunteer programmes.

This follows our £35m investment in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was also focussed on creating a lasting impact from a major event – something our chief executive Tim Hollingsworth says is a vital part of our Uniting the Movement strategy.

“This Rugby League World Cup will be remembered not just for being the most inclusive ever, but because of the impression it’s leaving on communities across the country,” he said.

“The simultaneous staging of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair events sends a fantastic clear message of inclusivity that is matched by the volunteer programmes running alongside it.

“That, combined with the investment in facilities that will last for generations to come, is exactly what our Uniting the Movement strategy is all about and we've been delighted to be so involved in the delivery.

“Everybody should feel they are able to access sport and physical activity, regardless of who they are, where they live or their background.

“It’s fantastic to see events on this scale helping to make that a reality.”

Delayed from 2021 because of complications arising from the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the event will see 32 teams from 20 nations championing culture, diversity and inclusivity throughout the 61 fixtures.
 

"The simultaneous staging of the men’s women’s and wheelchair events sends a clear message of inclusivity that is matched by the volunteer programmes running alongside the event."

Tim Hollingsworth

Chief executive, Sport England

The delay has meant the CreatedBy capital grants programme is already making an impact, with investments made into:

  • 38 clubhouses  
  • 22 changing rooms 
  • 18 pitches  
  • 23 goalposts 
  • 3 kitchens 
  • 10 lawnmowers 
  • 4 gyms  
  • 102 kit and equipment packs.

These grants are giving people more and better opportunities to engage with the sport of rugby league and, in doing so, get active in welcoming and accessible environments.

Aside from CreatedBy, our £333,000 investment into the inclusive and community volunteer programmes has been helping to engage new people to make a contribution to the sport and wider community.

Supported by the social care charity Community Integrated Care, the programmes have overcome barriers to volunteering, with the inclusive programme engaging those with mental, physical and learning disabilities before, during and after the tournament.

The impact of these programmes has been demonstrated in the event’s interim social impact report, which showed that 83% of the inclusive volunteers said the programme had helped them be more independent, and 89% of the community volunteers saying they were motivated by making a positive difference to their communities.

Our investment will continue to make an impact during and after the Rugby League World Cup, with a final impact report expected in due course.
 

Find out more about the social impact of the Rugby League World Cup.

Read the report

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