University of Hull welcomes rugby league fans to celebrate World Cup tournament

Rugby league fans across the city will have the opportunity to join the University of Hull in celebrating this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

The tournament, which takes place from 15 October to 19 November, will see the University welcome the men’s team from Fiji to train on campus, as well as a panel discussion and the opportunity to view all 3 world cup trophies on campus.

Steve Curtis, head of sport at the University’s Allam Sport Centre, said:

“Hull has an incredibly rich heritage in rugby league and is, after all, the only UK city to be home to two elite rugby league clubs.

“We are delighted to welcome the Fiji men’s team to train with us and to announce that the World Cup trophies will be exhibited on campus – for everyone to view. Together with the panel discussion – which is also open to everyone – it is a great way to celebrate the region's heritage, the World Cup and the inclusivity of rugby league.

“We wish Fiji and all the teams every success in the tournament ahead.”

The Trophy display will be on Thursday 29 September (5.30pm-8.30pm) in Middleton Hall. All 3 world cup trophies (Men's, Women's & Wheelchair) will be displayed where people are able to view without a requirement to book.

The celebration of the RLWC trophies on campus will be complemented by a panel discussion, featuring a range of special guests to explore just what rugby league means within a range of communities from around the world.

The panel discussion will also take place on Thursday 29 September in Middleton Hall (7-8pm) and is open to all of our students, staff and local community members.

The panel discussion is free of charge and you can book your free ticket here.

Matt Thompson, business development manager (Sport), said: “The National Lottery Trophy tour presents a great opportunity for fans to gain insight from professional players and staff into the importance of rugby league in various communities.

"The tour and supporting panel discussion also acts as a fantastic platform for those new to rugby league and the University to gain knowledge of a sport which is so deep-rooted within the culture and proud traditions of our city."

RLWC matches to be held in Hull include:

• 22 October - New Zealand vs Jamaica (men)
• 5 November - Papua New Guinea vs Brazil (women) | Men's quarter final

The University of Hull has a strong association with rugby league: The University club won the national trophy last season (2021-22) and the University has hosted the England national wheelchair team training previously and also the Wheelchair challenge cup final.

The University is proud to be home to the Fiji men's team for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup which will see various opportunities for students to gain valuable experiences and prospective placements with an Elite International sports team, in areas such as sport rehabilitation. The University is delighted to welcome spectators to some of the open training sessions.

Earlier this summer, Hull FC and the University of Hull unveiled plans for a rugby league performance, education and community hub.

Based at the University of Hull, the hub will unite Hull FCs rugby pathways from first team to grassroots for the first time, as well as see University of Hull students offered work placements in key fields such as sports science, coaching, analysis and media.

The £1.5m project, which has also received financial support from Hull City Council and other key stakeholders, will create an unrivalled home for the club’s various teams and community rugby league activity as well as enhance the University’s first-class sports provision further.

Read more about the unique rugby and education hub that will be developed at the University of Hull.

Global Experience: Languages for ALL and International Opportunities

The University of Hull’s Global Experience team will also be in attendance at the event. Joining the celebration of diversity, they will be promoting their Languages for ALL programme and international opportunities such as Study Abroad.

The Languages for All programme, which is free, is open to all students and University of Hull staff to learn a new language through Rosetta Stone. As the world becomes increasingly more connected, learning a foreign language has never been more rewarding. Being able to use a foreign language not only improves your communication skills, but gives you an insight into other cultures, opens the door to travel and increases your employability.

To find out more about our Languages for All and international opportunities visit the Canvas site.