It took place between the 26 October and 30 November and was hosted by England and Wales (although some games were played in France and Ireland).

[2][3][4][5] Australia won the tournament, beating New Zealand 34–2 in the final to lift the trophy for the tenth time.

[6][7] Originally planned to take place in 2012 it was moved back a year to avoid clashing with the London Olympics in 2012.

Fourteen teams contested the tournament: Australia, England, New Zealand, Samoa, Wales, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Cook Islands, Italy and the United States.

In terms of attendance, exposure and revenue, the 2013 tournament is considered the most successful Rugby League World Cup to date.

The RLIF announced a five-year plan to build up to the 2013 World Cup with Four Nations tournaments held in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

[18] The decision to play England vs Australia in Cardiff to open the tournament drew criticism from some in the press who believed that the game should have been played in England where a higher attendance could be expected, or at least a full house which would have looked better than the almost half empty Millennium Stadium.

The ceremony saw 550 dancers perform, 500 amateur and 50 professional, including former players Martin Offiah and Gareth Thomas, both of whom are former Strictly Come Dancing contestants.

Games held in both Wales and Ireland were watched by the biggest crowds ever for rugby league internationals in those countries.

[68] The final was played in front of the largest crowd ever to attend an international rugby league fixture.