Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) today fulfils its promise of putting the fan first by making the biggest and best tournament the most inclusive and accessible in modern history.

RLWC2021 will not only deliver the greatest value for money, but it will also reward frontline heroes by providing 20,021 free tickets as a mark of gratitude for their priceless contribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unique tournament will be one of the most accessible and affordable for fans with more than 80 per cent of tickets priced below £50. This is the first time in history the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments will be held at the same time and prices will begin at a very affordable £2.21 for children (Under 16) and £10 for adults across all three tournaments.

During the wheelchair tournament, fans will have the opportunity to experience the world-class Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, as well as other great venues such as the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool for the final from £20.21 and below. All stand-alone women’s tournament fixtures will also be priced below £20.21 with the double-header final tickets at Old Trafford, Manchester on November 27, 2021 starting from £30.

Additionally, a school half-term match in the men’s tournament between France and Greece will allow a family of four to attend for just £35.*

The Rugby League family will be rewarded for their loyal support through a priority access sale window on Monday, 21 September, 2020 and then, with one year to the tournament on Friday, 23 October, 2020, the Public Ballot will open with any remaining tickets going out on general sale from early 2021. Excited fans will be able to apply for up to 10 tickets across 61 fixtures and up to 6 tickets for the Final. To take part in the priority access sale fans will need to sign up here: rlwc2021.com/signup

The focus is firmly on the fans, families and youth audiences as the tournament offers a flexible interest free ticket payment option through financial services company, Klarna and promotional rates for those who purchase tickets during 2020. Ahead of the priority access sale, fans will receive information on ticket bundles which will include tickets for multiple matches at one or more locations to be bought at a promotional rate. Tournament organisers have guaranteed a refund for all ticket buyers should there be restrictions on crowds at the event and to reassure fans in the unfortunate circumstance the event has to be cancelled.

Ticketmaster will support the ticketing campaign after being appointed by the RLWC2021 following a highly competitive selection process. Throughout the partnership, Ticketmaster will provide RLWC2021 with a comprehensive ticketing service which offers a world class fan experience.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said today: “I am delighted that we can offer the most accessible, fair priced and highly anticipated RLWC to fans not only here in England but also those from across the world.

“This tournament will be unique with so much world class Rugby League action and wherever you look you can see that the tournament provides great value for fans. The flexible and competitive pricing means most tickets – more than 80 per cent – for the men’s tournament are less than £50, with tickets across all tournaments starting from £2.21 for children and £10 for adults.’

“There is a real opportunity for fans to not only support their own nation, but also the realistic and affordable possibility of seeing some of the other high-profile games and maybe adopting a second team in the tournament.”

Terri Lynam, Customer Director at RLWC2021 added: “We know that the demand will be high from not only our core fans but also from the new fans who want to be a part of the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history, and we urge everyone to buy early to avoid disappointment.

“At RLWC2021, we understand that these are uncertain times with the global COVID-19 pandemic, and we have conducted in-depth research around consumer confidence. That is why we will offer flexible interest free purchase options as well as a full refund on tickets should there be Government restrictions which lead to reduced capacities or if the event is cancelled due to circumstances out of our control.”

On the free ticket initiative for key workers, Jon Dutton added: “Our tournament slogan is the Power of Together and never has this been more visible in everyday life than the way the NHS and other frontline workers have responded during the recent crisis.

“In sport we talk a lot about heroes, but these are true heroes in our communities, and we are delighted, to show our gratitude in this small way.”

RLWC2021 will also offer official hospitality packages from Tuesday, 1 September 2020. There will be a range of experiences available at all fixtures to suit everyone from friends and family to corporate entertainment. For more information, visit www.rlwc2021.com/hospitality.

RLWC2021 will be working with the highly experienced Glory Days on official international fan travel experiences, with information on official domestic fan travel experiences to be announced around the pre-sale timing. Additionally, in September official merchandise will go on sale to fans globally.