YORK has hosted the Tour de France (one leg of it, at least) and Royal Ascot. So why not the Rugby League World Cup?

That’s the dream of Jon Flatman, the York City Knights’ new chairman.

He’s not proposing that the city should be the main venue for the 2021 tournament, of course.

But he sees no reason why the community stadium - which must surely be ready by then? - couldn’t stage group matches. And he’d also like to see York hosting one of the competing countries - and even the entire Women’s World Cup festival that runs alongside the men’s event.

York’s bid - spearheaded by Flatman - is just one of 30 ‘expressions of interest’ lodged with World Cup organisers. So there’s a very long way to go yet.

But before you start snorting in disbelief, remember that Flatman was involved in Hull’s successful application to stage three matches at the 2013 World Cup, and to act as host city for the France and Papua New Guinea teams.

He knows what he is doing, in other words.

Flatman took over as chairman of the Knights last December. And he has injected a real sense of belief into the club.

Sunday’s play-off semi-final defeat away to Whitehaven was heartbreaking. But it was a cracking game - one which set a world record for the longest period of extra time ever played.

If Flatman can bring a fraction of that belief to York’s bid to be a host city in 2021, we could well be seeing some of the best teams in world rugby league playing or training in York four years from now.

How great would that be?