The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup will be coming to Medway next year, the first time it has ever been held in the United Kingdom.

The international tournament is the latest major sporting event to be added to the sporting calendar at Medway Park, after Medway was selected as host by the The Rugby League World Cup 2013 Organising Committee.

Six teams from around the world will compete for the title during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, which will take place from 3 – 14 July 2013 at Medway’s £11m regional sports centre, Medway Park.

England’s team will be defending their title at the tournament, after becoming the world champions at the inaugural world cup held in Australia in 2008.

Home to local team the Medway Dragons, Medway Park has already hosted Wheelchair Rugby League international matches in preparation for the 2013 World Cup where England played France in front of a sell-out crowd in August this year.

The Dragons are no strangers to the international stage, with two of their own players – Nick Rooks and Joe Coyd- in the England squad and coach Martin Coyd also the manager of the England Wheelchair Rugby League team.

“This is a great opportunity to not only showcase the sport, but to promote our area and our facilities on an international stage” said England Manager, Martin Coyd.

“To host the competition in Medway where our own team is based and to have two local lads playing on the team for their country will be a real honour and I’m sure the crowds and the atmosphere the tournament will attract won’t disappoint.”

Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said: “After a great sporting year, this announcement is another chapter in Medway’s sporting legacy, adding to the series of international and national events that have been hosted in Medway.

“We’ve invested significantly in our sporting facilities in Medway and in doing so we are not only attracting the attention of world class athletes, but we are bringing exciting, international events right to the doorstops of all of our residents, so they can enjoy and be inspired by them.

David Butler, a member of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Organising Committee, said: “We are delighted to have secured Medway Park for the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.

“After the success of the England v France match earlier in the year, we are confident that the venue will offer superb training and match facilities for the countries taking part. We are also looking forward to working with the hotels and local businesses in the area who will play an important part in delivering a successful tournament.”