Rugby:Ireland have launched a bid to take some of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup matches to Munster's Thomond Park in Limerick.
The bid, which was the last of around 25 submitted to the Rugby Football League before last Friday’s deadline, is backed by Shannon Development and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.
The revamped 25,600-capacity Thomond Park will stage its first rugby league fixture on November 4th when Ireland play France, and Rugby League Ireland (RLE) are hoping it will also host their World Cup group game against Australia.
RLE general manager Gordon Matthews said: “Ireland had a very successful 2008 World Cup in Australia and we are hoping to build on that success further in 2013, preferably with the help of some passionate home support.
“We are delighted that we are in a position to put forward an impressive case to the organising committee to play one or more of our group games in Limerick and specifically Thomond Park.
“The boost to rugby league in Ireland to potentially host the likes of Australia or Fiji in a venue such as Thomond Park would be enormous.”
The 2013 Rugby League World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales with the RFL expected to announce the venues in November.
