Old Trafford to host 2013 World Cup Final

Old Trafford will host the Rugby League World Cup final in 2013.

Tournament director Nigel Wood announced the match would take place at the home of the Super League Grand Final, and revealed that Wembley will host both semi finals in a double header the week before the final.

The semi finals are set to be played on the weekend of November 23/24, with the final confirmed to take place on the evening of Saturday, November 30.

Wood said: “Old Trafford is synonymous with great rugby league events holding previous World Cup finals and the Super League Grand Final.

“We felt that the concept of playing a double header semi final at Wembley was very easy considering the outstanding success of the Four Nations last year. When we discussed this with our international partners they were very keen to repeat the experience of playing at the national stadium.”

Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium will host the opening ceremony which will see England face rivals Australia, and Wales kick off the tournament against Italy.