Australia Boosts Funding for Rugby League World Cup

The Australian government is investing A$12.4 million to support the Rugby League World Cup, focusing on planning and enhancing the women's competition. The event, co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, will feature men's, women's, and wheelchair tournaments starting October 15. Women's rugby aims to bridge the professional gap with men's rugby.

The Australian government announced a commitment of A$12.4 million towards funding the Rugby League World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The funds aim to bolster planning and logistics while particularly enhancing the women's competition.

The World Cup, commencing on October 15, will feature men's, women's, and wheelchair tournaments running concurrently. Officials emphasize the need for this financial support, especially to uplift the women's game which has lagged behind the men's in terms of professional development and earnings.

In the women's rugby league scene in Australia, players typically earn under A$50,000 annually, significantly less than their male peers. Australia enters the competition as the defending champion in both the men's and women's categories.