Organisers of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup have confirmed the tournament will go ahead as planned – including two games in Bolton.

The event had been in some doubt due to the surge in Covid-19 cases and resistance from Australia’s NRL clubs amid concerns over travel and quarantine restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Tournament chief executive Jon Dutton told an online news conference: “We are delighted to be able to provide clarity and certainty to fans, players, partners, media and those that have supported our journey over the past few years.

“We recognise there are still many challenges ahead but we will work relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage the tournament in 100 days’ time.”

The tournament will kick off on October 23 when England face Samoa at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

Of the 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair competitions, two will be at the University of Bolton Stadium.

With France basing themselves in Bolton for the tournament, they will take on hosts England in a Group A game on October 30.

The UniBol has also been handed a quarter-final match on November 14. That will see the runners-up in Group A face the winners of Group D which includes Wales, Papua New Guinea, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

Leigh Sports Village also features prominently in the early stages of the competition, hosting the Group D game between Wales and the Cook Islands on October 27.

Lebanon, who will be based in the town, then take on Ireland at the LSV on October 31, before facing Jamaica at the same venue on November 7.

The tournament, live on the BBC, concludes when a double header of men’s and women’s finals will be held at Old Trafford in Manchester on November 27.