Wales will be based in Preston for 2021 Rugby League World Cup

Today marks 500 days until the prestigious tournament heads to England, with 16 teams competing to become world champions.

All the host cities and towns 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.

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, said: “Today 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.

“This is great news for the people of Preston, it’s a wonderful city and the perfect place for the Wales’ men’s side to prepare for the tournament in 2021. I am sure that they’ll give the Welsh team a fantastic welcome next year and the team can enjoy the fantastic facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UClan) Sports Arena.

“Our refreshed tournament identity and today’s nation base announcement can serve as an exciting reminder for the people of Preston 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.”