The new dates avoid a clash with the 2022 FIFA World Cup and ensure that the BBC is able to broadcast all 61 matches of the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments, as had been agreed before the RLWC2021 was postponed.
England will host Samoa in the World Cup opener, as had been scheduled but the dates for the tournament have been moved one week earlier than in 2021 to maximise attendance and viewership.
