The 2030 Rugby League World Cup is set to be staged in the Pacific, with matches potentially taking place in the United States as the sport seeks to build on its growing popularity in the region.
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Utah and Hawaii are among the possible North American host locations. The International Rugby League is expected to formally announce the plans on Monday after informing its member nations.
The decision follows discussions by the IRL board during the week and a congress on Saturday. England and France had been close to securing hosting rights only a week ago, in a move intended to strengthen rugby league in the northern hemisphere.
England and France are now likely to host the subsequent World Cup in 2034. Negotiations over the NRL taking a stake in the English Super League remain ongoing.
The Pacific nations have played a prominent role in the current tournament, with Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa making up the semi-final line-up. Tonga’s victory over Samoa in front of a sell-out crowd at CommBank Stadium was one of several matches to draw strong attendances and television ratings.
A Pacific-based World Cup would also give rugby league another opportunity to establish itself in the United States. The NRL has already staged season-opening matches at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The proposed move would mark the first major international rugby league event in the United States since England played New Zealand in Denver in 2018.
The development comes as Australia prepare to face Samoa for a place in the current World Cup final. Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said former Australia captain Brad “Freddy” Fittler would oversee the team’s jersey presentation before the match.
“He’s a former Australian captain and won a World Cup in ’95, so Brad will come in and do his work,” Walters said.
