WHAT promises to be the biggest rugby league world cup ever is just three years away – and Bolton could be hosting some of the games.

Seven Greater Manchester boroughs will today unite to launch their bids for the 2021 tournament at a special Sport in the Square event in Bolton town centre.

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The World Cup trophy will be on display in Victoria Square, while children from Westhoughton Lions are set to demonstrate their skills in tag rugby sessions.

Manchester, Wigan and Trafford are joining Bolton in bidding to hold games,

Oldham and Salford want to host teams while Rochdale wants to hold support activities.

Each borough’s bid will be assessed on its own merits, but the region is coming together to showcase how it can collaborate to host major events

England international Rachel Thompson and deputy leader of Bolton Council, Ebrahim Adia, will also be at the event.

Clr Adia said: “Greater Manchester has a rich sporting history, fantastic facilities and experience of delivering high quality events.

“Bolton has a proven track record of hosting major international sporting events as we know from having just held our 10th Ironman UK triathlon and the world’s largest Ironkids, which were great successes.

“We want to attract even more world class sport to our borough and we are delighted to join our colleagues to illustrate why Bolton and the region should host the Rugby League World Cup.”

Andrew Parkin, chairman of Westhoughton Lions, the club was delighted to be involved in the launch.

He said: “Hosting international competitions brings attention to our sport that’s invaluable for grassroots teams like ours.

“We saw a huge increase in membership after Bolton hosted Fiji in 2013 and we expect to do even better in 2021.

“Tag rugby is a fantastic game which introduces people of all ages into the sport of Rugby League, it builds speed, agility, hand and eye co-ordination, communication and team work but most of all fun."

The tournament, which will be held in October and November, will feature the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments.

It will bring 40 squads of elite players to the UK, as well as thousands of overseas supporters, making it the most diverse and inclusive rugby league tournament ever held.

If successful Bolton is successful the Macron Stadium could play host to some of the mouth-watering international clashes.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester has the stadiums, the facilities, the passion and the love for the game to play a leading role in delivering a hugely successful Rugby League World Cup.

“All the Greater Manchester bids will promote the sport of rugby league as well as the wider benefits of sports participation and being healthy and active.

“This is a real heartland of rugby league and there is no doubt that the people of Greater Manchester who love the game will support the bids and get behind the tournament when it hopefully comes here in three years’ time.”

Westhoughton Lions will be running free tag rugby sessions throughout the playing season, in partnership with Bolton Council.