2013

Hull KR, Hull FC and both local councils have launched the campaign Hull 2013: Twice the passion to demonstrate Hull's unique offer - a combination of two Super League teams in one city with a rich rugby league history and strong tradition of rugby league community engagement.

The Rugby Football League is looking for bids that show a unique offer and huge support from the city for the game.

Hull's bid centres on our passion as a city for Rugby League. Already successful at hosting internationals, the two clubs and stadiums are joined in one ambition and commitment to be a host for this international tournament between October and November 2013.

All partners want to get the whole region behind the project by encouraging residents and businesses to back the bid by proving their passion to host Rugby League World Cup 2013 for group matches and to be considered to host quarter or semi-final matches, as well as training camps in the region.

 

Welham

Kris Welham is supporting the 'Twice the Passion' bid and you can do as well on Facebook and Twitter

To support the bid you can like the Hull 2013: Twice the Passion Facebook page and follow on the Hull2013 Twitter and share your stories and photos that show your passion for the bid. The submission of the initial bid is April 15 and your support will form part of the bid.

Businesses and organisations can also give messages of support as well as sharing pictures of staff that support Hull FC or Hull KR but are willing to put their rivalries aside to prove their passion for the Hull 2013 bid.

The bidding partners aim to create a unique experience for those taking part in the tournament with a hosting concept centred on our rugby league heritage and tradition, and celebrating the cultural opportunities linked with visiting teams.

As well as matches the Hull bid will present the exceptional training facilities available in the region. In addition to hosting matches, our region has the capacity to meet the needs of international teams in a number of superb venues and we will be bidding to bring team base camps to Hull and the surrounding area.

Partners are also looking at a programme of activities and events leading up to the tournament and events during the tournament based around the city's reputation hosting international events such as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Freedom Festival.

Councillor Kalvin Neal, Portfolio for Employment and Enterprise, with responsibility for sport, said: "I am excited to be working in partnership with a shared ambition to host group matches and to be considered to host quarter and semi-final matches in the city for the Rugby League World Cup 2013. The city will be able to offer two world class stadia, with the excellent facilities at the KC stadium as well as the planned improvements to Craven Park.

"We need rugby league supporters and residents in the region to show their passion to host the Rugby League World Cup and ask everyone to get behind the bid by 'liking' the Hull 2013: Twice the Passion Facebook page and using the page to share rugby league stories or ambition for the matches to come to Hull."

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Chief Executive of Hull KR, Mike Smith, said: "The city is unique in what it can offer the Rugby League World Cup 2013, with what will be two fantastic stadiums to showcase some of the best athletes in the world and a community that has such a strong passion for the game and will be sure to pack out the venues.

"The city is often divided when it comes to rugby league, but the possibility of a Rugby League World Cup 2013 semi-final being played in our great city is incentive enough for the whole city to get behind one common goal and back the bid."

Chief Executive of Hull FC, James Rule, said: "Hull FC are immensely proud to get behind the bid to bring the Rugby League World Cup to the city in 2013, a city we believe is the most passionate hot bed for the sport in this country.

"With two professional teams and the largest network of amateur Rugby League in the game, there is no better place to host a tournament of this magnitude and certainly a high profile game like a semi-final.

"You couple that with fantastic venues and facilities, such as the KC Stadium that has already showcased international Rugby League down the years, and two teams with fanatical support for the game, we believe Hull is deserving of such an event and we'd encourage everyone to back the bid."