Doncaster hoping to create a 'lasting legacy' with international sport this autumn

The Eco-Power Stadium is set to host three games in the Rugby League World Cup

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 17th Oct 2022

It's hoped Doncaster can 'create a lasting legacy' with international sport in the city this autumn.

The South Yorkshire city will host 3 games in the Rugby League World Cup-which began on Saturday-with the first taking place tonight at the Eco-Power Stadium.

France will play Greece there from 7.30pm & the Chief Executive of Doncaster's Rugby League Club-Carl Hall-hopes plenty of people attend:

"For us to get three games is absolutely immense. We would've been stoked to get one game, but to get three is great.

"I'm over the moon, but with that comes some expectations of getting the crowds down to come and watch these games.

"We don't know if anything like this is ever going to happen again in Doncaster, so for us to bring world class rugby league to the city is huge.

"Hopefully, we'll see the benefits of this in the next five or ten years, if we get more youngsters playing rugby league from this city.

"We all can't wait for tonight's game. It's been a long time coming and we've put some hard work in behind the scenes.

"We just hope now that people will come and get through the turnstiles.

"Not only will they be watching a world class event, but they'll also be watching world class rugby league players from all across the world, so it's an exciting time for us."

Bramall Lane in Sheffield is also a host venue-with England due to play Greece there later this month.

Greece's international side will be stopping in Sheffield throughout the contest.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hall's also been speaking to us about the Samoan national team, who're staying in Doncaster while the competition is on:

"It's quite surreal to have Samoa based here in Doncaster.

"I'm from New Zealand, but I was brought up by a Samoan family, this it's very special to me to have Samoa here.

"They've got a lot of community engagements that they've already booked in at the local schools in Doncaster.

"These kids will never forget it that's for sure.

"They've been down to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park as well and looked behind the scenes there.

"I feel like they've integrated within the community; they've embraced us, and we've embraced them."

You can read more about the Rugby League World Cup on the link below:

https://www.rlwc2021.com/

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