Organisers of the Rugby League World Cup have promised the tournament will deliver a lasting legacy for Newcastle and the north east. The 2021 tournament got underway on Saturday afternoon with the eyes of the world on St James’ Park to witness England demolish Samoa with an unexpected 60-6 victory.
A northern hemisphere opening game record crowd of 43,119 were in attendance at Newcastle United’s home to witness the tournament get off on a winning albeit strange note, with an opening ceremony featuring the Kaiser Cheifs and a special presentation by Wor Flags disrupted by a sound failure within the stadium ahead of kick-off.
While events inside the stadium were being still being hailed as a success with a large crowd present to watch England send an ominous warning, it was the work done in the community in the build-up to the tournament and across the last few days which delighted the organising committee.
