Papua New Guinea to host World Cup 2017 matches
Thursday 8 October 2015 09:36, UK
Papua New Guinea will stage three matches at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup after they were granted co-hosting rights with Australia and New Zealand.
Rugby League is the number one sport in the Pacific Island nation and Port Moresby will be the venue for some of the action after the country's government invested over £500m in establishing state-of-the-art facilities, including three new stadiums and a number of hotels.
"We are excited about taking the Rugby League World Cup to one of the world's most passionate rugby league nations," said 2017 World Cup chief executive Michael Brown.
"Our agreement with the Papua New Guinea Government and the City of Port Moresby will see three pool matches played in Port Moresby involving their national team in front of their local fans.
"We welcome the support of prime minister Peter O'Neill and governor of the national capital district Powes Parkop and look forward to working with them to deliver a world class event for the people of Papua New Guinea."
The announcement, made at a press conference in Sydney, means the 28 matches will now be played across three countries.
"Rugby league in Australia and New Zealand has never been in a better position with a record number of people playing, watching and attending matches across both countries," added Brown.
"Our aim is to make this Rugby League World Cup the most accessible and fan friendly ever.
"We not only want to see traditional rugby league fans come out to support their national team, we aim to engage with the local communities of all participating teams to deliver an event that celebrates the diversity of cultures and countries playing the greatest game of all."
Australia are the defending champions after thrashing New Zealand 34-2 in the 2013 final at Old Trafford.
