RLWC2021 inks ‘historic’ National Lottery collaboration

The organisers of the Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) have announced a ‘historic partnership’ with the National Lottery, as part of an initiative aimed at delivering widespread positive social impact.

As a result of the partnership, the National Lottery will become an official partner of RLWC2021 and its CreatedBy Capital Grants Programme, whilst the tournament and its associated rugby league communities will take advantage of the subsequent investment.

“This is another significant moment for our trailblazing tournament,” said Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive. “Local communities have faced significant challenges during the pandemic, so the opportunity to deliver good news and look to the horizon is uplifting.

“The ability to make a difference to people’s lives as well as supporting the future of grassroots Rugby League has always remained our mission, and this partnership further enhances our promise to put people, place and civic pride at the very heart of the event.

We thank The National Lottery and look forward to working with them on the journey to the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup later this year.”

The CreatedBy Capital Grants Programme is delivered in partnership with the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Sport England, and is dedicated to ‘improving the environments where rugby league takes place’.

Measures include investments in facility and equipment to enable ‘accessible and welcoming environments and a legacy in local communities’. The partners aim to utilise National Lottery funding to strengthen the programme and allow RLWC2021 to deliver projects of greater value to the community club scene following the economic hardships of the pandemic.

“Every day, The National Lottery and its players make a huge difference to communities across the UK – and have been doing so since 1994,” remarked Nigel Railton, Chief Executive of Camelot, operator of the National Lottery.

“Sports, such as Rugby League, which have such a connection to the local community, make a huge difference to individuals and society as a whole. 

“I am proud that The National Lottery is able to play such a key role in supporting the Rugby League World Cup 2021 and the wider community after such a tough year – while, at the same time, being able to give back to National Lottery players who make all of this possible.”

RLWC2021 Commercial Director, Jonathan Neill, added: “Our partnership with The National Lottery is another example of working with organisations that align with our vision, mission and values. 

“The National Lottery has been changing lives and investing in sport and communities since 1994, and their support to RLWC2021 via their investment in our sponsorship, activation and CreatedBy programme will continue this.

“Sponsorship plays a critical role for us in both driving revenue for the tournament and also helping achieve our wider goals and ambitions. Our partnership with The National Lottery will do all that, whilst supporting their objectives and providing benefits back to National Lottery players, as well as having a profound impact on the communities we collectively engage.”

Running between 23 October and 27 November, the 16th edition of the RLWC2021 will feature men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions taking place simultaneously for the first time at a major sporting event.

Earlier this year, the National Lottery made a significant commitment to enhancing women’s rugby, announcing a partnership with the Rugby Football League (RFL) and the Women’s and Girls’ Rugby League.

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