England will kick off the Rugby League 2021 World Cup against Samoa at St James Park in October

England will start their 2021 Rugby League World Cup against Samoa at St James’ Park on October 23 after the tournament schedule was revealed. 

The competition will be staged across 21 venues across the country with a series of football grounds set to be in use, including Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium and Arsenal‘s Emirates Stadium – which will host a sport other than football for the first time in its history. 

Holder Australia will take on Fiji at Hull City’s KCOM Stadium on the opening day, with Scotland playing Italy at Kingston Park in Newcastle. Ireland will face Jamaica in Leeds on the same day.

England will kick off their 2021 Rugby League World Cup against Samoa at St James’ Park 

England, led by St Helens star James Graham, will be hoping to lift the trophy on home soil

England will also face France in Bolton and debutant Greece in Sheffield in Group A. 

Rugby League fans will be able to watch every minute of the action free of charge as all 61 games are set to be aired on the BBC.    

And for the first time in the sport’s history, the World Cup will see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments played concurrently.

Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium will also host a sport outside football for the first time in its history

‘This is a huge moment for the tournament,’ said chief executive Jon Dutton.

‘Fans can really look forward to being part of this unique, global event. With match dates and locations confirmed, the excitement will only intensify.’

England will be hoping to win the trophy on home soil after the disappointment of losing in the final of the last edition in 2017.

They were beaten by then-hosts Australia by a score of 6-0.