Limerick aims to host rugby league World Cup games

LIMERICK is planning to cash in on its sporting pedigree to attract a number of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup games when the competition is hosted by England and Wales.

Shannon Development and Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau have teamed up with Rugby League Ireland and Thomond Park to make the bid to host the matches.

The official “Back the Bid — Limerick 2013” campaign was launched in Thomond Park yesterday.

Although the competition will be hosted in Britain, the Limerick backers feel an opportunity exists to host one or more of Ireland’s matches.

The draw has already been made, with Ireland facing England, Australia and Fiji.

Gordon Matthews, the general manager of Rugby League Ireland, said: “Ireland had a very successful 2008 World Cup in Australia and we are hoping to build on that success further in 2013, preferably with the help of some passionate home support.

“The boost to rugby league in Ireland to potentially host the likes of Australia or Fiji in a venue such as Thomond Park would be enormous and we are very hopeful that our bid will be successful.”

Paul Ryan of Shannon Development said a single game could be worth in excess of €2 million.

Those wishing to support the campaign can do so at the “Back the Bid — Limerick 2013” Facebook page.