500 days to kick off – Rugby League World Cup 2013

Rochdale Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn and Chief Executive Louise Spencer join international players from Fiji Bati and Ireland at Spotland Stadium, determined to ensure that Rochdale gets maximum benefit from the competition

Today, June 13 2012, marks 500 days to go to the start of Rugby League World Cup 2013 which kicks off with a double-header at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Host nation England are preparing for a two-game series against the Exiles. Captain Jamie Peacock, talking from the squad’s training camp in Loughborough, said: “These games against the Exiles mark the start of our preparations for RLWC2013. Knowing we have just 500 days before we face Australia in Cardiff puts that into sharp perspective for us. All the players here want to be in that squad next October and will be working hard for the next 16 months”.

Iestyn Harris, coach of co-hosts Wales, also in camp preparing for a fixture with France, said: “The opening fixture of RLWC2013 when Wales play Italy in the Millennium Stadium will be the biggest game this group of players has ever played. When you think of it that way 500 days doesn’t sound very far away.”

Rochdale will host Fiji’s Group A match against Ireland in October 2013 and Rochdale will be Fiji’s adopted nation for the duration of the tournament.

Council Leader Colin Lambert said the chance to see a world cup match being played at our local stadium is great news for the borough: “For Rochdale to be part of a World Cup is very exciting. This isn’t just about sport, it’s about building community spirit, pulling together and showing the world and our adopted team of Fiji, Rochdale at its very best. The more that people talk about it and get involved the better.”

Brian Ashworth, Chairman of Link4Life, added: “Rugby League in this borough is vibrant at all levels from schools and juniors to the Hornets. The world cup will give us the springboard to take the game forward to even higher levels and I hope the public will get behind this local opportunity to see world class players in action.”

500 days to go also marks the launch of the RLWC2013 volunteer recruitment programme. RLWC2013 are looking for 500 volunteers to work across the tournament in various disciplines in all of the host communities.

RWLC2013 General Manager Sally Bolton said: “We are looking for 500 enthusiastic members of our host communities to support the event as volunteers. With the 500 in 500 programme, we’re offering the chance to be involved in a ‘hands-on’ way in what we believe will be the best Rugby League tournament there has ever been. Volunteering is now a major part of any big international sports event and this will be a win-win for us and the lucky 500 people who are chosen to represent RLWC2013. We will provide top level opportunities to be involved at some great games like the opening matches at the Millennium Stadium, all the way through to the final at Old Trafford.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should visit the RLWC2013 website for details of how to apply.

RLWC2013 kicks off in Cardiff on October 26 2013 when host nations Wales and England take on Italy and Australia respectively. 14 nations then go head to head in three groups for a place in the semi-finals double-header in the spectacular setting of Wembley Stadium in London.

The tournament also visits France and Ireland as RWLC2013 looks to help the game develop in Europe.

For tournament updates and news on Twitter follow @rlwc2013press #rlwc2013  

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