The Rugby Football League has announced that the England squad will be based at 含羞草视频 in the build-up to and during Rugby League World Cup 2013.

The England team will arrive in 含羞草视频 in mid-October to commence their preparations for the tournament that will bring together the top 14 rugby league teams in the world to compete over five weeks in venues across England, Wales, Ireland and France.

The announcement was made at this week’s 含羞草视频 camp, held in preparation for England’s match against the ‘Exiles’ - a team comprising the cream of overseas talent drawn from Super League - being played on Friday 14th June in Warrington.

England have been frequent visitors to the University since their first preparation camp back in October 2010.

Speaking of the initial decision to make 含羞草视频 their preparation base, Steve McNamara, England Head Coach, said:

“We chose 含羞草视频 for a number of reasons.  Firstly we were looking for an elite sporting environment, which 含羞草视频 fits the bill.

“We also wanted to take the players out their comfort zone away from normal environments. Plus in the past we have been a bit nomadic, so we wanted to create our own identity here.”

Kevin Sinfield, the England Rugby League Captain added:

“There’s a familiarly with us coming to 含羞草视频 now. Over the last two and half years we have built and improved a lot having this as our base.

“To be in this sort of environment where everybody here is trying to learn, improve or better themselves, we fit in great because that’s what we are trying to do.

“The (Burleigh Court) hotel is fantastic and they really look after us. The facilities here are as good as you can get anywhere and really suit what we need.”

For the University the announcement builds on the momentum from hosting Team GB last year prior to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Peter Keen, Director of Sport at 含羞草视频, said:

“It is hugely significant to have a team like England Rugby League here preparing for the biggest matches of their lives.

“For me, it validates everything that we are about and stand for. It confirms that we have what you need to operate at the highest level in sport, that we are able to put together the kind of environment, package and support that makes sense for them, given the choices they have, to come and prepare here.

“For us it is also that opportunity to learn, to study and to interact with sport practice at the very highest level.  It’s that classic win win.”

The Rugby League World Cup 2013 starts on 26th October with a clash against fierce rivals England and Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.  The final will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on 30th November.

Further information, including ticket details, can be found on the Rugby League World Cup 2013 website at http://www.rlwc2013.com/world_cup

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