Whitehaven World Cup game in jeopardy

Chances of holding a World Cup game in Cumbria could be dashed with the news that Whitehaven’s new ground development could be set to fall through.

The Pow Beck Stadium, part of a £5.5m community development, is scheduled to host two matches in next year’s World Cup, with the full fixture list and details to be unveiled later this month.

However, a £750,000 demand by Whitehaven Miners Social Welfare, owners of Whitehaven’s current Recreation Ground home, has put the plans in jeopardy.

The RFL are believed to be in talks with the miners group, as well as the partners in the project, including Whitehaven RLFC, Copeland Council and Britain’s Energy Coast.

With the stadium anticipated to take 12 months to build, a quick agreement is imperative to the future of the development.

Whitehaven have played at the Recreation Ground since their formation in 1948.