Following hot on the heels of Halifax RLFC’s application to join Super League, it has today been announced that a bid will be made to include The Shay Stadium, Halifax as a venue for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

The Rugby Club which submitted its bid for Super League status in December sees the World Cup bid as confirmation that Halifax is ready to accommodate Rugby League at the highest level, including Super League.

Chairman Michael Steele said.... “With over £4.5 million invested in to the redevelopment of The Shay it would be fantastic to see representative rugby league in the town, especially in such a prestigious tournament as the World Cup. Our club wants to see world class players at The Shay and what better way than bringing the magic of the World Cup to Halifax”.

The bid, which involves Calderdale Council, Halifax RLFC, [Calderdale College] and the Calderdale RL Service Area in partnership is to stage one or more group matches at The Shay. It also envisages Spring Hall as a team base camp. The grass and track at Spring Hall are already a popular venue and with ancillary facilities available at Calderdale College on the new 3G pitch, the grass pitch at Siddal Amateur Rugby League Club and the leisure and gym facilities available at Halifax Pool, an International Team will have all it needs close to its base. Hotel facilities will be at Ainley Top or Brighouse.

 The Calderdale Rugby League Service Area has stressed that they are also keen to involve as much of the amateur game as possible and are planning a programme of legacy activities around the tournament.

Decisions on which bids will be passed through to the next stage of the assessment process is expected by Mid July this year with formal announcements of venues and fixtures at the end of November.

If the Halifax bid is successful it could potentially provide a big boost for the town and local businesses with increased visitor numbers to the area around match times.