RFL announce World Cup venues

The RFL has confirmed 18 venues across four countries will host matches in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Among expected locations such as Hull, Wrexham, Warrington and Wigan, there are also some surprise choices such as Bristol's Memorial Ground and Neath's The Gnoll.

Venues for the opening ceremony, the semi-finals and the final, as well as the precise fixtures, will be confirmed early in the New Year.

"We experienced massive interest in hosting matches from all across Europe and we have had to make some tough decisions," Tournament Director Nigel Wood said.

"We are excited that the tournament will visit established world-class rugby league venues but will also visit some new locations, including Bristol and Whitehaven, where we see unique opportunities to grow the game and to deliver a lasting legacy for our sport."

The Venues:

Avignon: The Parc des Sports Bristol: The Memorial Ground Halifax: Shay Stadium Huddersfield: The Galpharm Stadium Hull: KC Stadium and Craven Park Leeds: Headingley Limerick: Thomond Park Perpignan: The Stade Gilbert Brutus Neath: The Gnoll Rochdale: Spotland Stadium Salford: City of Salford Stadium St Helens: Langtree Park Warrington: Halliwell Jones Stadium Whitehaven: Pow Beck Stadium Wigan: The Leigh Sports Village and DW Stadium Wrexham: The Racecourse Stadium