[2] In May 2016, the World Cup organising committee raised concerns over financial support for the festival[3] and in November 2016, it was announced that the 2017 Wheelchair World Cup would be held in France.

[4] The festival was part of the build-up to the 2017 Women's Rugby League World Cup and the 2017 Men's Rugby League World Cup which were held in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea in October and November 2017.

[6] The Defence Force World Cup was won by Fiji.

[7] A women's international defence force series was also held between Australia and New Zealand.

[12] Australia finished third after defeating newcomers Italy 58–45[13] and Spain, who were also making their first appearance at the world cup, lost 45–66 to Wales in the fifth-place play-off match.