RFL LAUNCHES THREE LIONS WEEK AS RLWC2021 DRAWS CLOSER

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced a Three Lions Week to encourage more people to get involved in rugby league, with the Rugby League World Cup 2021 just weeks away.

Running between 25^th September and 2^nd October, clubs across the country will open their doors as part of Three Lions Week and encourage people of all ages and abilities to give rugby league a go through activities, tournaments, and open days, organised by the clubs’ foundations.  

Forming part of the InspiredBy campaign linking the RFL and RLWC2021, and aimed at driving participation in the sport before, during, and after the World Cup, Three Lions Week gives people the opportunity to learn from the best – with professional club players invited to come down and join in with sessions. 

Sean O’Loughlin OBE, who played 36 times for England and Great Britain and was captain at the last World Cup in 2017, said, “Rugby league is a sport for everyone and Three Lions Week provides a fantastic opportunity to build excitement and support before the World Cup.

“The tournament is only six weeks away, and we want everyone to get behind our England teams – whether they are rugby league diehards or new fans to the sport.

“My old community club Wigan St Patricks will be playing their part and there are loads of others where youngsters first discover the sport, and which are so important in their communities.

“It’s already been a great year for sport with the Lionesses victory in the Euros and the success of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. It’s now rugby league’s time – and I want everyone to make the most of it.”

Three Lions Week will start the day after the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford, as attention turns to the Rugby League World Cup which kicks off when England’s Men play Samoa in Newcastle on 15^th October. The Women will then launch their campaign against Brazil at Headingley on 1^st November, with England Wheelchair taking on Australia in a heavyweight opening fixture at London’s Copper Box Arena.