National Football Stadium confirmed to host RLWC2017

The National Football Stadium (NFS) in Port Moresby will be the host venue for the three pool matches of the Rugby League World Cup 2017 (RLWC2017) in Papua New Guinea.

This was announced today by RLWC2017 general manager commercial and marketing, Rohan Sawyer.

NFS will host the PNG Kumuls’ three pool matches against Wales (October 28), Ireland (November 5) and the USA (November 12).

NFS, formerly Lloyd Robson Oval, recently underwent a two- year redevelopment program ahead of the country hosting the 2015 Pacific Games and 2016 FIFA Under 20’s Women’s World Cup.

The stadium hosted a sold-out PNG Kumuls versus Australian Prime Minister’s XIII match in September 2016.

The venue has a current capacity of 15,000 and is also the home of the PNG Hunters.

Sawyer said the stadium is the premier rugby league venue in PNG and a fitting stage for the world’s best players to contest the Paul Barrière Trophy.

He highlighted that over the past two years, NFS has hosted a number of global events with great success.

He said they expect the three RLWC matches to be played in front of sold-out crowds, with an atmosphere second to none.

The RLWC2017 is scheduled from October 26 to December 2 and will be co-hosted by Australia, New Zealand and PNG.

Author: 
Quintina Naime