The organisers of the Rugby League World Cup have confirmed the tournament will go ahead this autumn, with a number of matches set to be staged in Greater Manchester, after uncertainty over the event due to Covid-19.
The organisers, who are headquartered in Manchester, have said the event is scheduled to be held in October and November and feature 61 matches across three competitions at 21 venues culminating with the men’s and women's finals at Old Trafford on November 27.
Organisers have "delivered record sponsorship deals", a domestic broadcast deal which means all matches will be live across BBC platforms and have sold "significant overseas broadcast rights".
At the same time, ticket sales have so far "exceeded expectations".
As well as Old Trafford, Leigh Sports Village and the University of Bolton Stadium will host matches during the Rugby League World Cup.
Both the England and Australia teams will be based in Manchester for the event, while the France team will be based in Bolton and Lebanon will be based in Leigh.
Jon Dutton, chief executive of RLWC2021, said: "We are delighted to be able to provide clarity and certainty to fans, players, partners, media and those that have supported our journey over the past few years.
"We have an overwhelming desire to deliver the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup and through our determination and decisiveness we will be able to achieve this vision.
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"We recognise there are still many challenges ahead, but we will work relentlessly and will take the most extraordinary measures with the support of all involved to stage the tournament in 100 days time.
"Despite the adversity we have faced, we have never lost sight of our core purpose of making a positive impact on people’s lives.
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"Our social impact programme has and will continue to be a beacon of much needed positivity and hope in communities across England.
"We have no doubt that the Rugby League family, along with the 20,021 key workers we have invited, the many fans who will see the action live in the stadiums across England and the millions watching around the world will be part of a unifying celebration of sport and humanity."
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: "As we reach 100 days to go, the anticipation is building with Rugby League’s biggest competition coming back to England.
"After the challenges of the past 18 months where the positive impact of Rugby League in communities has shone through, the moment when the men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams take to the pitch will be a watershed moment for both the sport and the country.
"I’m delighted that fans can look forward to a festival of Rugby League that promises to inspire new fans and grow the grassroots, and the Government has been pleased to play its part in supporting this incredible inclusive event."