Ireland plan to turn part of Sydney green for the World Cup, with a warm welcome promised in Parramatta.
Irish Rugby League chairman Niall Cantrell is in Australia on a fact-finding mission and today discussed plans with Parramatta's Lord Mayor Paul Barber for a Gaelic home base in Sydney's western capital.
Ireland came through the qualifying rounds to join nine other nations in the main draw and will play both their pool matches at Parramatta Stadium. They open their campaign against Tonga on October 27 and meet Samoa on November 5.
Parramatta is a rugby league stronghold whose foundations are linked to the fortunes of generations of Irish settlers but the rugby league team are leaving nothing to chance.
‘Over a month-long tournament such as this, the ability for the players to feel settled and to be able to concentrate on their football is a really important part of success,’ said Cantrell.
‘Our players are excited about the prospect of being at one of rugby league's most famous destinations and one that hopefully will allow our players to feel at home.
‘The enthusiasm that has built in Ireland since the team's qualification for the World Cup has been something to see and we hope to generate some of that in Parramatta - at least until we take on Australia!’
Barber revealed the Parramatta City Council and the city would help the Irish team settle into their new home for the duration of the competition.
‘We love our rugby league here in Parramatta and we certainly respect teams that have a go against the big names,’ he said.
‘Ireland will find plenty of supporters out this way and their presence during the World Cup along with two matches at Parramatta Stadium will give our city important international exposure.’
Tournament director Colin Love said that the planning being undertaken by the World Cup nations was a reminder of the importance being placed on the tournament.
‘England coach Tony Smith has spent weeks out here finalising his plans, Ireland are doing likewise and the other nations are already well and truly focused on their challenge for the trophy,’ he said.
‘The Irish are certainly going to inspire plenty of support in their campaign and anyone who has seen them play would rate them a real chance to spring an upset or two later this year.’
The 13th World Cup kicks off with England's game against Papua New Guinea in Townsville on October 25 and will travel across the east coast of Australia over 29 days at 12 venues, culminating in the final at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on November 22.
