While ANZ and Pirtek stadiums are set to be out of commission during the tournament due to redevelopment work, the SFS will host just two matches – England vs Lebanon on November 4n and Australia vs Lebanon on November 11.
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“New Zealand will be hosting seven games, which are to be played in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch”.
Before then will be a testing tournament opener against England at AAMI Park on October 27, before two further pool matches against France and Lebanon in Canberra and Sydney respectively. There will also be a three pool matches played in Papua New Guinea.
The partnership with the Rugby League World Cup will see us not only create the global television coverage but also undertake the most far-reaching and expansive coverage of the Cup across television and connected devices.
“The decision to take matches to places like Darwin, Perth, Christchurch and Port Moresby were made with the future of the game in mind”, he said.
“From established rugby league communities, to those new and emerging fan-bases in all three countries”.
“New Zealanders have a very proud history of supporting Rugby League and we know these passionate league communities will embrace co-hosting the sport’s pinnacle event in”. Sports enthusiasts will be able to explore the diversity of the eight host cities across Australia to New Zealand’s compact nature that simplifies travel and makes it easy for visitors to access all venues while experiencing a variety of tourist attractions along the way. Teams who are still in the race include Wales, Ireland, Russia, Serbia, Italy and Spain.
“Canberra has a strong rugby league culture and it’s important for our city to be involved in the World Cup and be a host city”, he said.
Although the draw has been made, fixtures set, and stadiums booked, there are still three spots yet to be filled for the pool stages.
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All three Kiwis pool matches will be played at home along with two quarter finals and a semi-final, which will be played at Mt Smart. The Kiwis will play their Quarter-Final in Wellington should they progress.
