BUSINESSES have been urged to back Bolton’s ambitious bid to host the Rugby World Cup in three years’ time.

BBC Rugby League correspondent Dave Woods and Nicola Littlewood, from Bolton Council, told a meeting of local business people that if the town was successful it would mean huge economic benefits for the region.

Bolton is included in the whittled down shortlist of 20 towns and cities which are vying to host the event, to be televised lived in October and November 2021.

Dave and Nicola were speaking at a meeting of the Bolton Professionals Curry Club at the Spice Valley restaurant in Horwich yesterday.

The council is lead partner in the bid, supported by the University of Bolton and Bolton Wanderers Football Club.

Organisers do not know exactly who all the 20 competing bidders are, but neighbouring authority Wigan – a town steeped in Rugby League – is one of them. Nicola said: “The Government is investing £25m in this event, the most money it has put into a sporting event since the 2012 Olympics.

“If Bolton is successful it will have a strong economic impact locally and there will be lots of involvement with young people in the community.”

Dave said the World Cup would be a “really big deal”. He added: “Rugby League will never have a cut-through moment like it will have in 2021. There will be three matches a week being shown on BBC network TV – Bolton needs to be a part of that.”

Nicola told the audience there were sponsorship opportunities for local businesses as part of the bid.

“There will be millions of people from all over the world watching and if we win the bid, Bolton will be at the heart of it. I would ask you to tell your clients what a big deal this is and how it can be an amazing benefit for the town.

Dave agreed: “This is a massive deal. I am passionate about Rugby League and I know the powers that be want to reach new audiences, so although Bolton is not traditionally a rugby town it will make so many people aware of what is a fantastic sport.“It is very rare that teams like Tonga, Fiji, Ireland and USA play one another. It is really special.“Fingers crossed that Bolton wins the bid.”

The successful bidder is expected to be announced in January.