Preston announced as host city for the Rugby League World Cup 2021

It has been chosen as a team training base with commentators saying it put forward a "very strong bid".

The announcement of the cities and towns lucky enough to host Rugby League’s teams and games came moments ago.

Last summer Preston City Council announced it was bidding to be a host city for the World Cup when it is staged in England in 2021.

Following the announcement The Rugby League World Cup 2021 official Twitter account stated: "Congratulations to Preston, the first training base to be revealed!"

The RLWC2021 host announcement was broadcast from 9am on BBC Sport online and the RLWC2021 social media channels.

Commentators in the Rugby League World Cup BBC broadcast said Preston had put forward a “very strong bid”.

Last summer Preston City Council and partners, including the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) and the Preston Marriott, combined forces to produce a successful bid for Preston to be a training base for the tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.

Chief executive of Rugby League World Cup 2021, Jon Dutton said that the city had ‘put together an incredibly impressive bid to be a training base during the tournament’.

He added: “The facilities on offer for the teams is fantastic and it’s great to know that the teams will have everything at their disposal to support their performance and make this the best Rugby League World Cup ever.”

Mayor of Preston, coun Trevor Hart said: “We are incredibly proud to have been chosen as a host city for a Rugby League World Cup 2021 training camp. Preston is perfectly located for fans and teams to access game locations across England, and has a proven track record with hosting international teams, thanks to UCLan’s state of the art facilities.

"This is a great opportunity for the city and we hope that Prestonians embrace our role.”

As part of the build up to the World Cup the trophy was put on display at Preston’s Harris Museum and Art Gallery as part of a tour.

Host Helen Skelton was joined by RLWC2021 Ambassadors; Kevin Sinfield; St. Helens and England Women’s star, Jodie Cunningham; and Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair captain, James Simpson, to reveal the successful towns and cities.

See the full list here

But there was disappointment for neighbouring Wigan, which misses out on hosting any games in the tournament.