England to host 2021 Rugby League World Cup
A USA/Canada bid to stage the Rugby League World Cup failed, with England getting the vote to host the tournament again.
The Rugby League World Cup will be staged in England once again in 2021, it was announced on Thursday.
England successfully hosted the 2013 tournament along with Wales, having also been joint-hosts in 2000 and sole hosts five years earlier.
The Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) has picked the country where the game originates from to stage another World Cup five years from now.
A joint bid from USA and Canada was in competition with England for the 2012 showpiece and will be recommended by the RLIF to host the 2025 competition, subject to further evaluation, after missing out this time around.
The RLIF revealed that England was awarded another World Cup rather than the Moore Sports International (MSI) USA/Canada due to current Rugby League participation numbers in North America.
RLIF chief executive David Collier commented: "The RLIF congratulates both England and MSI USA/Canada on outstanding bids.
"With specific reference to the England Bid, which is built upon achieving a spectator attendance in excess of one million and the delivery of a £10million capital legacy programme, this will be of massive benefit to our sport.
"England staged an outstanding World Cup in 2013 and have clearly outlined their vision for the 2021 World Cup as a world class event eclipsing the attendances, reach and legacy of 2013.
"The bid details that the Rugby League World Cup will be the highlight of the international sporting calendar in England that year and RLIF looks forward to a great tournament."
Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea are the hosts for the 2017 World Cup.