The 2021 Women's Rugby League World Cup was the sixth staging of the Women's Rugby League World Cup, and was one of three major tournaments part of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. The tournament was held in England from 1 November to 19 November 2022.[1] Originally planned for 2021, it was delayed a year along with the men's and wheelchair tournaments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament featured eight teams, an increase of two from the previous tournament.
For the first time the tournament had parity with the men's and wheelchair tournaments with all participants being paid the same while all 61 matches across three tournaments will be broadcast live.[2][3]
Teams
Qualification
The competing teams were selected based on criteria including growth and current infrastructure and were announced on 18 July 2019.[4]
Ahead of the fixture list being announced, the organisers stated that there would be at least four days between a team's games in the interests of player welfare.[11]
The fixtures were announced on 21 July 2020.[12] Following the postponement of the tournament from 2021 to 2022, a revised schedule was published on 21 November 2021.[13] All the games in the tournament were played as double-headers with other games from either the women's or men's tournaments.[14]
Each nation announced 24 player squads to compete in the tournament.[15]
Venues
Stadiums
Five venues were used for the women's tournament.[16] Stadiums are referred to by their official name rather than sponsored name, as is International Rugby League policy
Headingley Stadium, Leeds Attendance: 8,621[26] Referee: Geoffrey Poumes (France) Touch judges: Aaron Moore (England), James Vella (England) Player of the Match: Martha Molowia (Papua New Guinea)
MKM Stadium, Hull Attendance: 7,080[26][e] Referee: Ben Casty (France) Touch judges: Geoffrey Poumes (France), Dean Bowmer (England) Player of the Match: Belinda Gwasamun (Papua New Guinea)