London – September 28, 2000: Sportal.co.uk today announced that it had officially launched its website for the forthcoming Rugby League World Cup. In addition to the website launch, Sportal further announced that it had secured a deal to become official shirt sponsor for the Ireland, Wales and Scotland teams to compete in the tournament.

Sportal’s Rugby League World Cup site can be accessed either via the home page of www.sportal.co.uk or via Sportal’s Rugby League site, www.playtheball.com

Sportal has further secured exclusive columnist agreements with a number of high profile international players and management.

‘We are delighted to have launched what we believe will be the benchmark for Rugby League World Cup websites,’ says David Simpson, Sportal’s Head of Rugby, ‘This tournament will bring together the best exponents of the game worldwide and we are proud to have the Sportal brand so closely associated with the action.’

‘We are looking forward with immense pride and passion to the World Cup,’ says Ralph Rimmer, Ireland’s Team Manager, ‘We are approaching this tournament in the most dedicated and committed manner and to be associated with Sportal is further proof of the professionalism that runs through our entire squad and programme.’

The Rugby League World Cup, kicks off on October 28, simultaneously in Belfast and Paris when Ireland meet Samoa and France take on Papua New Guinea. The Opening Ceremony will take place later the same day at Twickenham, home of Rugby Union, with a clash between England and Australia. The tournament will come to a conclusion at Old Trafford, on Saturday, November 25. During the tournament, users will be able to register for a daily newsletter, mailed directly to their computers with a full round-up of the day’s results and stories amongst a host of other interactive features.

For further information please contact
Mark Thursfield
0207 350 4825
via e-mail, mark.thursfield@sportal.net