BOLTON will no longer host the Rugby League World Cup 2021 quarter final due to a scheduling clash with a snooker competition.

The University of Bolton Stadium was due to host the notable event on Sunday November 6, however that privilege has now been transferred to Warrington Wolves’ Halliwell Jones Stadium – which has nearly half UniBol’s capacity.

The fixture is due to take place the same day as the snooker Champion of Champions competition, leading RLWC2021 organisers to rethink UniBol as the quarter final venue.

People who have already purchased tickets for the match will have the opportunity to transfer their ticket to the new venue or claim a refund if they prefer.

Bolton will still host the men’s group fixture between England and France on Saturday October 22.

Neil Hart, chief executive of Bolton Wanderers, said: “That game would have clashed with another major sporting event being held at the same time in the shape of the Champion of Champions snooker tournament, which now has a long-term home in the Premier Suite at the University of Bolton Stadium.

“The Rugby League World Cup organisers and Bolton Council were alerted to the issue at the start of the year and, having tried to find a solution, we are pleased that the matter has now been resolved and we can move forward together.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work with the Council and the Rugby League World Cup to deliver a world-class sporting event with a global audience for the town and people of Bolton.”

Tony Oakman, Chief Executive of Bolton Council, said: “We are disappointed that Bolton will no longer be hosting a quarter final of the Rugby League World Cup.

“However, we remain focused on the England v France group-stage game on 22 October and on hosting the French national team throughout the tournament.

“Bolton has a track record of hosting major sporting occasions, and the tournament will allow us to showcase our town to a global audience.”

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of RLWC2021, said: “We are clearly disappointed to be losing the University of Bolton Stadium from the quarter final line-up and I appreciate it is especially frustrating for any supporters who have already bought tickets for this fixture.

“However, we are pleased that the match will now be staged at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and we are very excited to be taking one of the biggest matches of the competition to a first class rugby league venue. We thank everyone involved for their support in achieving this solution so quickly.

“We are also very mindful of wanting to make sure that existing ticket holders are not adversely impacted by this switch and will be contacting everyone shortly to see how we can make sure that we can minimise disruption as much as possible.”