Rfl Invites Tenders For 2013 World Cup

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has officially opened the sponsorship tender process for the upcoming 2013 Rugby League World Cup, by calling for tenders for official hotel and airline partners.

The showcase event, which will take place in England and Wales, kicks off in October 2013.

As hosts, The RFL, on behalf of the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF), is looking for operators to supply accommodation and flights for the event.

The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will see 14 nations in World Rugby League compete in 28 matches over a five week period.

The tournament’s accommodation and travel requirements will be substantial, with over 10,000 rooms required during the tournament.

Confirmed competing nations so far include Australia, Cook Islands, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Scotland, Tonga and Wales.

They will also be joined by one qualifier from The European Qualifying Group consisting of Italy, Lebanon, Russia and Serbia, and one qualifier from The Atlantic Qualifying Group consisting of Jamaica, South Africa and the USA.

Paul Kimberley, commercial director at the RFL, said: ‘We are seeking partners who will share in the excitement of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup and assist in delivering services to the highest profile Rugby League tournament’.

‘The global event will attract in excess of 500,000 spectators and be televised throughout the World, being broadcast in over 120 countries, reaching a worldwide audience in excess of 20 million’.

‘The 2013 Rugby League World Cup is a key part of the UK’s ‘Golden Decade of Sport’, and will present an opportunity for other areas of the UK to become involved in a national sporting event post the London 2012 Olympic Games’.

‘With 14 nations represented and fans travelling thousands of miles to support their international stars, we are looking for hotel and airline partners that can meet the requirements set by the RFL and be part of what is set to be the best Rugby League World Cup in history’.
 
The tournament’s structure will consist of two groups of four, with England drawn alongside Australia, Fiji and Ireland in Group A and World Cup holders New Zealand facing Pacific Island rivals Papua New Guinea, Samoa and France in Group B.

Scotland will face Tonga and the European qualifiers in Group C and joint hosts Wales have been drawn against the Cook Islands and the Atlantic Qualifiers.