LEIGH will host three Rugby League World Cup games in 2021.

The trio of fixtures will take place at Leigh Sports Village after the Rugby Football League announced the stadiums that will be holding the games today, Tuesday.

There will be 40 teams involved in the tournament which is expected to be watched by around 150 million people across 115 countries.

Chief executive of Leigh Sports Village (LSV), Simon Toon, said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for us and we are really proud our stadium has been recognised and chosen for multiple games.

“We can’t wait to host thousands of international visitors and show them what Leigh has to offer.

“Our stadium, facilities and our passion for the game will certainly help to deliver a successful Rugby League World Cup and we’re sure all who come to LSV will have a great experience.”

Leigh's bid was submitted last July in collaboration with local authorities in Greater Manchester.

The bids were considered individually.

Wigan Council leader, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “We’re thrilled that Leigh Sports Village has been chosen to host three World Cup matches.

“Not only will this be a fantastic occasions for our residents to be involved with, but the matches will also attract visitors from across the country and the world to our borough and will prove a big boost for our local economy.

“We will make sure the grassroots of the sport benefits from the legacy of the tournament and we will ensure as many people as possible get to be a part of the tournament celebrations in 2021.

“I am extremely disappointed and I can’t understand why Wigan, the home to one of the most famous teams in the world, was not given any games to host throughout the tournament.

“I’m sure this feeling is shared among fellow Wigan residents, however, we will of course support Leigh’s fantastic achievement proudly and look forward to the games.”

More than one million people are expected to attend the games over the five week tournament, which will be held in October and November 2021.

The tournament will also feature the men’s, women’s and wheelchair games.

For more information visit marketingmanchester.com/rugbyleagueworldcup.