Three tendering nations have been confirmed for the IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2029.

Initially eleven countries, in total, confirmed expressions of interest in hosting the 2028-2030 Women’s, Wheelchair and Men’s tournaments.

For the 2029 Wheelchair World Cup, France, England and USA have now moved onto the next stage of bidding, which closes in mid-February.

England and France met in Manchester in a memorable World Cup final to decide the last tournament, attracting a TV audience of over 1.5m people, England taking the trophy in the final minutes from the French holders.

Most recently, USA have hosted Wales in a two-game series in February, their first home international fixtures.

England

England won an epic World Cup final in Manchester in 2022, which has elevated Wheelchair Rugby League to a mainstream sport.

“After the success of hosting the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in England in 2022, we plan to submit a strong and determined bid to bring the tournament back,” said Rugby Football League CEO Tony Sutton.

“We have worked hard to capitalise on the huge increase in awareness and popularity of Wheelchair Rugby League since.

“Dozens of new teams have been established and hundreds more players of all ages, male and female, disabled and non-disabled, have discovered the unique appeal – and challenges – of the wheelchair game; participation in 2023 increased by an impressive 74% on the 2022 figure.”

France

France has a proud history of promoting Wheelchair Rugby League and Federation Française de Rugby XIII would have strong support from the French Government.

“For the sport here, France Fauteuil 2029 would be a major boost. The French government strongly supports the development of adapted sports, and the 2029 Wheelchair World Cup will fit perfectly into this scheme,” FFRXIII president Dominique Baloup said.

“The FFRXIII's bid project, which is imbued with a sense of ‘Social and Environmental Responsibility’, aims to be a success for society and the general public because it is accessible to as many people as possible.”

United States

The USA competed at their first Wheelchair World Cup in England in 2022 and earlier this year hosted Wales in their first international fixtures on home soil with a two-match series in South Carolina.

“One of our primary strategic objectives is to enhance the visibility and awareness of rugby league throughout the United States,” noted USARL chair Matt Goschnick.

“Bidding for and hosting major sporting events are pivotal as they not only spark interest but also attract critical investment and new partners to the game, all which are needed for sustainable growth.”