DONCASTER TO HOST SAMOA AS RLWC2021 NATION TRAINING BASES ANNOUNCED

Doncaster to host the men’s squad from Samoa. The announcement celebrates 500 days until opening fixture of RLWC2021.

With 500 days to go until the opening fixture of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021), tournament organisers have announced that Doncaster will be the training base for Samoa’s men’s team.

RLWC2021 is coming to England next year, with Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium hosting three men’s group game fixtures. Doncaster has a long-standing sporting tradition to go with its rich history and playing host to one of the leading men’s sides, Samoa, is sure to get everyone excited for the tournament in 2021.  

All the host cities and towns, including those who won’t be a dedicated team base, will form a huge part of making the tournament a success, welcoming players from around the world and adopting them as their own, as they get behind them and cheer them on in 500 days’ time. Following this announcement, the fixtures for all three tournaments will be announced in the coming months. 

 Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “We are delighted with the news that Doncaster will welcome the Samoan national rugby league team who will base themselves in the town for the Rugby League World Cup 2021.

“It is an honour to host representatives from such a proud nation and we are looking forward to learning more about their culture while they visit us. I’m sure they will leave a lasting impression on the town."

Dons chief executive Carl Hall added: "I'm delighted that we'll be hosting Samoa. For me it’s a personal thing, Samoa are very close to me because I was brought up by a Samoan family. I'm really looking forward to welcoming the team to Doncaster.

"Hopefully Doncaster will become Samoan for the tournament and help the team not feel homesick. I think the people of the town will embrace it. I know the management and the players of the Samoan team will embrace Doncaster.

"All along we've spoken about wanting this World Cup to leave a legacy in this town - Samoa are going to be in our town for three weeks and I'm sure the people of Doncaster will never forget it."

RLWC2021 has also revealed new branding for the tournament, celebrating the power of together, focusing on human interest stories and emotional connections, with the goal of connecting with a universal audience.

The new branding will also include bespoke elements from each host, drawing on recognisable icons and displaying the sense of civic pride each host has for its town or city. RLWC2021 will be asking people from each town and city to vote on the icons that make up their custom patterns in the coming months and will be doing something similar for the nations towards the end of the year.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 chief executive, said: “Wednesday marks another hugely exciting milestone on the road to Rugby League World Cup 2021 as we celebrate 500 days until the opening fixture at St James' Park in October next year.

“Doncaster is a fantastic town with a passionate sporting fanbase, who have shown great support for RLWC2021 since it was announced they would play host in 2021. With the Samoan men’s side impending arrival in Doncaster, this is another thing for the community to get excited about as we continue to countdown.

“Our refreshed tournament identity and nation base announcement can serve as an exciting reminder for the people of Doncaster of what’s to come in 2021 as we continue to build momentum towards what promises to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup in history.”

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