THE historic Racecourse Ground is to host matches for the 2013 rugby league World Cup, it was confirmed yesterday.
The sport’s governing body the RFL revealed the Wrexham venue had beaten strong competition to stage a group match and a potentially lucrative quarter-final for what is being billed as the biggest tournament in the game’s history.
The town will also act as a team base camp and training venue and could potentially play host to some of the sport’s leading names.
Community leaders anticipate a big boost for Wrexham through its involvement in the event.
Cllr Bob Dutton, Wrexham’s lead member for communities and performance, described the announcement as “fantastic news for the region”.
He said: “Wrexham submitted a very strong bid that put an emphasis on community engagement and creating a legacy for rugby league in North Wales.
“This was a real collaborative effort between Wrexham Council, Glyndwr University and various community organisations and is an excellent example of what partnership working can achieve.
“We have an exciting line up of events planned in the build up to the competition and we want everyone to feel part of this massive occasion.”
The Racecourse previously hosted a match in the 2000 rugby league World Cup, but the continued growth of the sport means 2013 is already being hailed as the biggest and best tournament yet.
Wrexham’s bid, under the banner ‘Bringing Rugby League to Life’, received the backing of big names including Wales coach Iestyn Harris and was praised by members of the Rugby League World Cup committee.
Yesterday youngsters from schools in the Wrexham area enjoyed coaching sessions on The Racecourse pitch while dignitaries gathered to celebrate the announcement.
It follows The Racecourse hosting a match between Wales and Australia in the Gillette Four Nations tournament earlier this month.
Dr Allan Howells, pro vice-chancellor of new stadium owners Glyndwr University, said: “When we purchased The Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium this was exactly the type of event we dreamed of being able to bring to the community of north east Wales. I’m sure it will bring a real buzz to the town, as well as providing an economic boost for the region.”
World Cup tournament director Nigel Wood congratulated Wrexham on its selection through a very competitive bidding process.
“In putting together their bid over the last 12 months, Wrexham have demonstrated a level of commitment that gives us confidence the World Cup will exceed everyone’s expectations,” he said.
The finals, due to be played in autumn 2013, are to be broadcast to 120 countries and will feature all four home nations.
Matches are being played across the British Isles and France, with Neath the only other Welsh venue.