The 2030 Rugby League World Cup is set to be hosted in the United States, according to Channel 7’s David Riccio.
The International Rugby League board has identified Utah and Hawaii as the locations for pool matches, with discussions pointing towards a format that could include a magic round set-up where three to four games are played at the one stadium.
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The decision comes off the back of last week’s emotional Tonga versus Samoa clash at CommBank Stadium, which captured worldwide attention and highlighted the massive Tongan and Samoan populations in both Utah and Hawaii.
While the move is not yet official, it will likely be confirmed next week.
“So Utah and Hawaii, you’re probably asking why. Well, number one, the game is on a mission to expand and promote this game globally,” Riccio said on Seven ahead of the semi-finals on Saturday night.
“Secondly, what we’ve seen in the last week on the back of Tonga v Samoa at Commbank Stadium is this wave of emotion that has been captured around the world. Notably in Hawaii and Utah, where there is such a huge Tongan and Samoan population.”
The move represents a significant push to expand and promote rugby league globally, building on the momentum created by Pacific nations over recent years.
The decision also capitalises on what Samoa and Tonga have achieved for the international game since 2017, when a number of key players made the switch to represent their Pacific heritage.
The Vegas NRL season opener has already made small inroads into the American market, but this would be even more significant.
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“I think what we saw last week, what Samoa and Tonga have done for our international game,” Luke Keary said.
“It’s more than any other country’s been able to do. We have to dominate on that momentum of what they’ve created over the last couple of weeks. And I think it’s a great option.”
English fans are also expected to benefit from the US location, with large numbers already travelling to Vegas for rugby league events.
Meanwhile, the 2034 World Cup is heading to the Northern Hemisphere, most likely England, as International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant and board member Peter V’landys work to rejuvenate the game in the UK.
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