RUGBY League World Cup 2021 has today announced that online car retailer Cazoo will become the Principal Sponsor of the tournament.

RLWC2021 will be the first time that the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions will be staged together across 21 venues throughout England with all 61 matches being shown live on the BBC in the UK.

Cazoo will benefit from the 14 million followers of Rugby League in the UK, the hundreds of thousands set to attend RLWC2021 matches next year and the millions watching on TV. Both parties confirmed that the agreement is for a seven-figure rights fee.

Jonathan Neill, RLWC2021 Commercial Director, said: “Rugby League World Cup 2021 is about being bold and brave and setting firsts for the tournament. This is the largest sponsorship deal in Rugby League World Cup history and we are grateful for the trust Cazoo have shown in the tournament.

“RLWC2021 and Cazoo share many of the same principles and values, both have a clear ethical purpose, and we will work together to continue to be trailblazing and positively disruptive over the next 12 months.”

Founded by serial entrepreneur Alex Chesterman, Cazoo has rapidly become one of the fastest growing UK businesses since its launch last year, growing to a team of over 800 people and generating record revenues of over £150m in its first year.

Alex Chesterman OBE, Founder and CEO of Cazoo, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Rugby League World Cup 2021, one of the biggest sporting events taking place in England next year.

"This partnership will continue to drive our brand awareness as we make Cazoo a household name. We’re excited to engage with the loyal Rugby League fan base and provide them with the UK’s best possible car buying experience.”

Jon Dutton, RLWC2021 Chief Executive, added: “This is a very significant moment for the tournament and Cazoo’s sponsorship further supports our excitement and confidence in delivering the best Rugby League World Cup ever. It is an indication of the status we are building at RLWC2021, the biggest sporting event exclusively staged in England next year, that Cazoo have chosen us to continue to help them deliver against their brand and business objectives.”