Vernon Kay shows his support for Rugby League World Cup

Vernon joined sport stars as the Rugby League World Cup trophy arrived at The Albert Halls as excitement builds as Bolton hosts the game between England and France this month

The TV presenter and I’m A Celeb star was joined by the winning teams from the Festivals of Rugby League, a vast array of rugby stars and sporting professionals, the council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough and newly appointed Chief Executive, Sue Johnson.

Vernon Kay with Rachel Thompson and Georgia Wilson. Picture by Julie Lomax

As one of only a few select towns to host a Rugby League World Cup event, the local community has a fantastic opportunity to experience professional rugby league up close and on home-turf while seeing great athletes perform on an international stage.

England V France game has 5,000 tickets left in Bolton

Also joining today’s welcome reception were members of the Westhoughton Lions, reflecting 'everything that is so special and important about grassroots rugby league'.

The local team successfully secured over £300,000 in investment for their new clubhouse through a CreatedBy grant provided by the Rugby League World Cup, highlighting the positive impact hosting international sporting events has for the people of Bolton.

Vernon Kay and Abdul Khan (Amir Khan's cousin). Picture by Julie Lomax (Image: Agency)

The World Cup is set to leave a lasting legacy throughout Bolton as the town continues to come together to ensure young people of all backgrounds are afforded real opportunities within the sport, both in the build-up to and long after the game.

Vernon said: “Getting young people involved in sports is so important – and it’s great to see my hometown of Bolton doing everything they can to encourage the younger generation of people to embrace rugby league.”

“It’s an exciting time for Bolton and I’m proud to come from a town that champions its local community. It’s great that we’re getting the chance to host an international sporting event of this size – and just goes to show that as a town we have so much to offer.”

Bolton Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, added: “All of Bolton is so excited to welcome the Rugby League World Cup to town, from our grassroots clubs and professional players past and present, to school pupils and local celebrities.

“We have shown over the years that Bolton is the perfect host venue for major international events like this, as well as offering the opportunity to grow the sport of Rugby League outside of its traditional heartlands.

“Communities across the borough are already benefitting from investment in the grassroots game and we are confident the legacy of this tournament will be seen for many years to come.”

Guests who attended the reception included Alex Warmsley of St Helens and England International, Lewis Dodd of St Helens, Rachel Thompson of Wigan Warriors and England International, Georgia Wilson of Wigan Warriors and England International, Jordan Turner, Stelios Giannakopoulos of Bolton Wanderers, Chris Radzinski MBE of Wigan Warriors, Steve Hampson of Wigan Warriors, Andy Craig of Wigan Warriors, Ayaz Bhuta MBE of British Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby, Ryan Brierley of Salford Red Devils, Gary Connolly of Wigan and Leeds, Abdul Khan professional boxer), and sports pundit Joe Thompson.

Festivals of Rugby League is developed with Wigan Warriors Community Foundation and involved hundreds of primary school children trying rugby league for the first time – some of which having never even held a rugby ball before.

All pictures by Julie Lomax