What time is the Rugby League World Cup draw TODAY? TV channel, live stream info, and what is Prince Harrys role?

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RUGBY LEAGUE is coming home.

England is gearing up to host the World Cup once again in 2021 as Australia prepare to defend the title they won three years ago in Brisbane.

Australia will be out to win a twelfth title in 2021

The Kangaroos beat the English 6-0 in one of the tensest finals ever, securing their eleventh world crown in the process.

Home advantage is often key and Wayne Bennett’s side will be hoping to make history and become the first ever Wall of White side to lift the Paul Barriere Trophy.

England were beaten 6-0 in the 2017 final

What time is the Rugby League World Cup draw?

ALTHOUGH the tournament doesn’t get going until next year, the draw for the group stages is taking place this month.

The draw is all set for TODAY – Thursday, January 16 at noon.

Dave Woods from the BBC and presenter Seema Jaswal will be your hosts, with a host of Rugby League legends also in attendance.

The pots for the draw are as follows:

  • Pot 1 – Australia, England, New Zealand and Tonga
  • Pot 2 – Samoa, PNG, Fiji and Lebanon
  • Pot 3 – Wales, France and Jamaica plus one qualifier
  • Pot 4 – Lowest ranked European qualifiers and the winners of play-off between United States and Cook Islands

The draw will be conducted for the mens, womens and wheelchair competitions.

What is Prince Harry’s role?

THE Duke of Sussex is patron for English Rugby League.

Last year he was on hand at Wembley to present Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves with the trophy.

It’s hoped that Prince Harry‘s involvement will help to propel the sport into the mainstream – especially as England are playing host in 2021.

The draw will take place at Buckingham Palace, where Prince Harry will help draw the nations into their relevant groups.

Prince Harry, who is patron for England Rugby League, will be involved in the draw

Despite recent developments in his personal life, it has been confirmed that Harry WILL undertake his role.

World Cup chief executive Jon Dutton revealed: “We are delighted and honoured that The Duke of Sussex will be hosting the draws from one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

“His achievements in driving inclusivity in sport with the Invictus Games and his wider projects within rugby league makes him the perfect fit for the draw.”

Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?

THERE is no confirmed TV coverage for the draw from Buckingham Palace.

But if streaming is your preferred method to watch things nowadays, you’re spoilt for choice.

You can stream the event live across RLWC2021 platforms including Facebook and Twitter, while the Royal Family will also broadcast the draw on their own channels.