Rugby league-Australian government gives World Cup funding boost
Rugby League - Men's World Cup Final - Australia v Samoa - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - November 19, 2022 Australia's men's and women's teams celebrate with their trophies after winning the world cup finals Action Images via Reuters/Ed Sykes
MELBOURNE, May 27 : The Australian government said on Wednesday it will put A$12.4 million ($9 million) into funding this year's Rugby League World Cup co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
Here are some details:
* Officials said the funding would support planning, logistics and delivery, with a strong focus on boosting the women's competition.
* The men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments will run in parallel during the World Cup, which starts on October 15.
* Women's rugby league in Australia has lagged the men's game in terms of professionalisation, with most players earning under A$50,000 per annum, a fraction of their male counterparts.
* Australia are defending champions in both the men's and women's tournaments.
($1 = 1.3935 Australian dollars)
