Hull kids kick-off Rugby League World Cup countdown as tickets go on sale

PRIMARY school children have taken part in a rugby league tournament to begin the one-year countdown to the start of next year's Rugby League World Cup.

Hull is a host city of the competition after rival clubs Hull FC and Hull KR joined forces as part of the Twice The Passion campaign.

Tickets went on sale today for the games at the MS3 Craven Park and KC Stadium.

However, organisers hope the event will create more than just a few more rugby league spectators.

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They want a legacy and more people involved in the sport.

As part of this aim, primary school pupils were at Sirius Academy competing in a tournament.

Sarah Rule, who helped write the city's bid, said: "This is a window of opportunity to showcase Hull to the world. This is one of several events planned throughout the year to get more people into rugby league.

"The primary school teams taking part have been brilliant. They have showed so much enthusiasm and seemed to have really enjoyed themselves."

In next year's tournament, Papua New Guinea will take on France on October 27 and Samoa on November 4, both at the MS3 Craven Park.

England will then face Fiji on November 9 at the KC Stadium.

At the competition yesterday, it was down to Neasden, St Thomas More, St Richard's and Victoria Dock, to show off their skills on the pitch in a tag rugby tournament.

Aldrine Castelo, 10, of St Thomas More, said: "I've enjoyed playing against other primary schools.

"I'm looking forward to the World Cup and seeing my favourite rugby stars."

Jon Flatman, director of sport and community at Sirius Academy, which will be France's training camp during the World Cup, said: "It is really exciting the World Cup is coming to Hull. To have France training at Sirius will be a great and exciting experience for the students.

"I hope it will inspire students, both in terms of sport and in terms of their studies.

"I hope the people of Hull will get behind the tournament.

"We've had many players from this city representing their countries in rugby league. Hopefully there will be many more, including from Sirius."

Tickets for the matches will be available at the KC Stadium, MS3 Craven Park and the Hull City Council Box Office at Hull City Hall.

Councillor Terry Geraghty, Hull City Council's portfolio holder for leisure and tourism, said: "This marker of one year to go gives us a chance to focus on what we can do to make the most of this opportunity and the international attention it will bring to the city.

"The legacy to get more people involved in rugby and sporting activity will benefit the city for years to come."

England are taking on France at Hull KR's MS3 Craven Park as part of their Autumn International matches. Tickets for the match, which takes place on Saturday, November 3, at 2.30pm, cost £12 for adults and £6 with concessions.