World Cup Will Put Leeds on Map

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Leeds will "really stand out from the crowd", according to main decision makers who spoke to Insider after the city won the right to host two Rugby League World Cup clashes. The tournament takes place in a year that will also lead to the opening of the Leeds Arena and the Trinity Shopping Centre.

City council chief executive Tom Riordan said: "2013 will now be a massive year for Leeds and we will attract the attention of the world. We can use the world cup and the openings of Leeds Arena and the Trinity shopping centre to really get ourselves on the world map."

The city's leaders were celebrating after being named one of 18 venues across England, Wales, Ireland and France to host group and quarter final games for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. The semi-final and final venues will be announced in the coming weeks.

In Yorkshire, Halifax's Shay Stadium, Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium, Leeds' Headingley stadium and Hull's KC Stadium and Craven Park were all selected for the initial stages of the contest. Hull, Leeds and Bradford were also selected as base camps for teams visiting from around the globe.

In welcoming the news, the leader of Leeds City Council, councillor Keith Wakefield, said: "Leeds has always been the rugby league capital and it's only right and proper we get this recognition. It is important young people get to see sport played at the top level and this will help to inspire and entire generation.

"It will also help to showcase the city to the world and attract inward investment by highlighting the fantastic opportunities we have here. We are working hard to get the economy moving again and this will be a big boost to the city and the region as a whole."