Post by England 3 Lions on Jan 25, 2009 0:09:02 GMT 10
Lewis seeks political support for World Cup bid
Source: Rugby Football League
RFL Executive Chairman Richard Lewis has used a speech in London to ask for the support of politicians to help bring the next Rugby League World Cup to the UK.
The RFL are bidding to be the host federation of the next tournament which takes place in 2013.
The right to stage the World Cup will be granted by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) and Richard Lewis believes strong support from regional agencies and central government is important to making a succcessful bid.
Speaking earlier this week at the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group’s Annual Dinner which takes place in the House of Lords, Lewis called on MPs and Peers to give their backing to the RFL’s request for support.
Such support would entail the government creating a more tax advantageous position for sports governing bodies seeking to stage major events as well as providing event funding both regionally and centrally.
This type of backing is already provided by competing countries governments and the only event that currently benefits from such a position in the UK is the Olympics.
An initial draft bid to be hosts of Rugby League World 2013 has already been submitted to the RLIF and a completed formal bid will be re-submitted in the next six months.
Commenting Richard Lewis said, ““There have already been very good expressions of support from government and the regional development agencies but we now need a firm detailed commitment from them as part of our bid to stage the next Rugby League World Cup.
“In common with other sports and governing bodies in the UK we are in competition with other nations who are able to take advantage of these types of tax arrangements and funding to support the staging of world events. The organisers of the 2008 tournament benefited from this and we need to be in a similar position”.
He added, ““We expect to receive a report shortly which shows the benefits delivered by last year’s tournament to the Australian economy.
“We intend to use this data as well as previous studies carried out by Deloitte relating to the positive economic impact of Rugby League to demonstrate to central agencies and regional government that their support of what would an exciting sporting event, would deliver a wider dividend for the whole country”.
“We must present a strong case but we do need support to be successful”.
Source: Rugby Football League
RFL Executive Chairman Richard Lewis has used a speech in London to ask for the support of politicians to help bring the next Rugby League World Cup to the UK.
The RFL are bidding to be the host federation of the next tournament which takes place in 2013.
The right to stage the World Cup will be granted by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) and Richard Lewis believes strong support from regional agencies and central government is important to making a succcessful bid.
Speaking earlier this week at the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group’s Annual Dinner which takes place in the House of Lords, Lewis called on MPs and Peers to give their backing to the RFL’s request for support.
Such support would entail the government creating a more tax advantageous position for sports governing bodies seeking to stage major events as well as providing event funding both regionally and centrally.
This type of backing is already provided by competing countries governments and the only event that currently benefits from such a position in the UK is the Olympics.
An initial draft bid to be hosts of Rugby League World 2013 has already been submitted to the RLIF and a completed formal bid will be re-submitted in the next six months.
Commenting Richard Lewis said, ““There have already been very good expressions of support from government and the regional development agencies but we now need a firm detailed commitment from them as part of our bid to stage the next Rugby League World Cup.
“In common with other sports and governing bodies in the UK we are in competition with other nations who are able to take advantage of these types of tax arrangements and funding to support the staging of world events. The organisers of the 2008 tournament benefited from this and we need to be in a similar position”.
He added, ““We expect to receive a report shortly which shows the benefits delivered by last year’s tournament to the Australian economy.
“We intend to use this data as well as previous studies carried out by Deloitte relating to the positive economic impact of Rugby League to demonstrate to central agencies and regional government that their support of what would an exciting sporting event, would deliver a wider dividend for the whole country”.
“We must present a strong case but we do need support to be successful”.
