New Zealand are the current world champions. Photo: digiarnie (Flickr)

International sport will be joining UCLan as the university was this week named as the 2013 Rugby League World Cup official host training camp.

After submitting a strong proposal, UCLan fought off strong competition from across the country to provide training facilities for teams taking part in the 14-nation tournament in two years time.

2013 Rugby League World Cup Tournament Director Nigel Wood said: “I would like to congratulate UCLan who has been successful in their bid to host teams in what I am confident will be a World Cup that enhances the UK’s golden decade of sport.”

Wood later added: “In putting together their bid over the last 12 months, UCLan has demonstrated a level of commitment that gives us confidence that the 2013 Rugby League World Cup will exceed everyone’s expectations.”

A total of 34 bids, comprising of 30 stadia, 47 team training sites and 87 team base camps, were submitted to the RFL.

Each of the bidding hosts underwent a detailed inspection from a 2013 team to examine the various sites venue specifications, as well as evaluating the enthusiasm and commitment of each bidding host.

The university’s recently renovated Westleigh Conference Centre, Lea, is adjacent to the pitches and will be available to the teams as an area for relaxation.

UCLan Sports Arena (UISA) Development Manager Jean Peace said: “We will be proud to welcome any of the competing countries to our Arena and hope this bid, in partnership with Preston City Council, will generate sufficient momentum to establish a community club in Preston.

“It’s a super opportunity to raise the profile of rugby league across the city.”

Over half a million people are expected to watch the 28 matches during the six week period in autumn 2013, with a further 20 million viewers from 120 countries watching on TV.

By Brogan Wright