World Cup creates launchpad for rugby league

The 2013 World Cup has created a terrific launchpad for rugby league, according to RFL chief Nigel Wood.

Sell-out crowds, a record attendance for international rugby league at last week’s final and encouraging viewing figures on BBC all helped contribute to a successful tournament.

A peak audience of 2.3m tuned in to England‘s last gasp semi-final defeat to New Zealand, while 2.4m watched the opening day coverage on October 26.

Wood told Running Rugby: “In terms of attendance and TV audience, spectacle and profile, and commercial and financial success, the tournament has met, and in most cases exceeded, all expectations/

“RLWC2013 has lit the blue touchpaper for every arm of the sport and it is my hope that everyone involved in rugby league at every level makes the most of the opportunities that now exist for them.

“RLWC2013 has also provided a terrific launchpad for rugby league at domestic level and the RFL will be working with all our clubs, both at community and professional levels, to help achieve our goal of growing the sport and gaining the recognition it deserves.”