YORK has submitted a bid to host several games of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Councillors have agreed a financial contribution of £200,000 towards a campaign between partners City of York Council, the University of York, York St John University, York Stadium Leisure Complex, York City Knights, York City FC and Make it York.

The £200,000 will be split so that £150,000 is used for the bid and £50,000 to market the event.

The bid was shaped through a discussion with the Rugby World Cup organisers after it was announced the tournament would come to this country.

The event, which will take place between October and November in 2021, will include both the men and women’s competition and the Wheelchair Rugby world cup.

The city will bid to host six women’s pool games and the women’s world cup semi-final.

If successful, York would also host training sessions for both male and female teams.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, executive member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “World class women’s sport could be coming to York in 2021 and we want as many people as possible to support our bid. We will find out whether our bid is successful in the New Year. One of the main aims of our bid is to connect communities and it is hoped our #LineUp4York campaign is just the start of this.”

The campaign has created a hashtag #Lineup4York to encourage people to back the city’s bid.

Councillor Ian Gillies, leader of City of York Council, said: “Our bid aims to champion women’s sport, connect communities behind this event and encourage increased participation by inspiring York residents young and old.

"We will also put on an amazing event that puts York and the new stadium squarely in the international sporting spotlight.”

Jon Flatman, chairman of York City Knights, said: “York City Knights would like to thank all partners for their support in the process. The Rugby League World Cup excites and engages local people with positive experiences. It’s a memorable event and one which I hope will bring great happiness and improved outcomes for the people of York.”

Andrew Sharp, head of business, Make It York, said: “York is well known for its world class horse racing and for hosting the UK snooker championships. And of course the county has seen a cycling revival since hosting the Tour de France and the creation of the Tour de Yorkshire. Winning this bid would undoubtedly be brilliant for the city, attracting a brand new audience of sports fans and showcasing York in the UK and overseas.”

Ann Gurnell, master of the York Guild of Media Arts, said: “As a key partner in the City’s rich and varied cultural landscape and recognised role as a UNESCO Creative City, the Guild of Media Arts is excited to support the bid.

"Media Arts are woven through our day to day lives via broadcast, streamed and online channels not least connecting sports audiences and participants, and inspiring millions through opening ceremonies and apps. We’d love to be involved.”

The Revd Canon Dr Christopher Collingwood, Canon Chancellor at York Minister, said: “York Minster is proud and happy to back this bid to bring this world class competition to our world class city. We are particularly energised by the focus on women’s participation in Rugby League and in the potential for connecting communities across York. We can do this - let’s bring the World Cup to York.”