In a win for Canberra’s reputation as a world class event destination, the capital is playing host to three pool matches of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017), including a much anticipated Kangaroos’ fixture. 

The RLWC2017 sees fourteen teams take on 28 games over the five weeks from 27 October until 2 December 2017. In addition to matches in Australia and New Zealand, three pool matches will be played in Papua New Guinea. First held in 1954, the 2017 Rugby League World Cup is the 15th iteration of the tournament.

Local action kicks off on Sunday 29 October with Round One, where Raiders home ground Canberra Stadium, with seating capacity of over 25,000, plays host to fifth-ranked team France and the team from Lebanon in only their second World Cup appearance. 

The home nation – the Kangaroos, coached by Canberra Raiders’ Legend Mal Meninga – will then face France in Round Two on Friday 3 November. 

The final Canberra game sees the entertaining Fiji Bati tackle Italy on Friday 10 November.

RLWC2017 Chief Executive Officer, Michael Brown, said the support of the ACT Government has ensured that Rugby League fans from across the region will see the world’s best teams battle it out for the Paul Barrière Trophy.

“Canberrans have a very proud history of supporting Rugby League and we know these passionate fans will embrace hosting the sport’s pinnacle event in their own back yard.”

Tickets and further information can be found at www.rlwc2017.com