England face tricky Pacific trip if 2025 RL World Cup is given to the region

ENGLAND may face a daunting trip to a passionate Pacific island in their quest for World Cup glory.

But as yet there is no chance of heading to Australia, as they have not indicated they are willing to host any 2025 matches.

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SunSport understands officials will be ‘amazed’ if the hosting rights are not given to New Zealand at this month’s International Rugby League meeting.

And that is likely to see group games played in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, meaning one of them will be paired with Shaun Wane’s side.

That may mean heading to Apia, Nuku’alofa, Suva or Port Moresby for a blockbuster clash.

New Zealand leapt to make an offer to IRL after France pulled out of hosting in 2025, with the rising costs of the Paris Olympics thought to be the reason behind it.

As things stand, knockout matches will be played in that country, with Auckland’s Eden Park the favourite to host the final, which was at Old Trafford last year.

Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin are also high on the desired list, along with Hamilton, Rotorua and Napier.

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But the Pacific element, where rugby league is booming after Tonga’s development into a world force and Samoa’s historic spot in last year’s final after defeating England in the semis, is arguably more attractive.

And that may see Wane’s side face a partisan home crowd, with stadia on the islands good enough to host group matches.

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New Zealand would also host the women’s, wheelchair and physical disability World Cups, with the infrastructure to accommodate them in a tight turnaround believed to be ready.

However, it is believed neighbours Australia, where the 2017 final was played between the hosts and England, have not yet said they want any matches.

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Fiji actually lodged interest in hosting but it is now on board with the Kiwis’ project.

Interest has also come from Qatar but human rights issues and attitudes towards women are likely to rule them out. South Africa has also said it will take it on.

IRL chiefs, looking for their third 2025 host after a plan to have it in North America fell through, will decide at the Singapore meeting on July 31.