THOUSANDS of rugby fans will descend on Newcastle's St James' Park today (Saturday) for the opening match of the Rugby League World Cup.
England will play Samoa, kicking off the first game of the tournament, which had been postponed due to Covid.
The first fixture will see the men's, women's and wheelchair competitions all take place simultaneously for the first time. An opening ceremony will also be held, where the Kaiser Chiefs are performing as the headline act.
Jon Dutton, chief executive of RLWC2021 said: "It's going to be a very special party weekend and the world will be watching - so we're very keen to show everything that Newcastle has to offer to our global audience."
A fan zone has been set up on Newcastle Quayside and a cultural festival will also run.
RLWC2021 welcomes 32 teams from 20 nations globally, championing culture, diversity and inclusivity throughout its 61 fixtures.
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