Leeds to bid for Rugby League World Cup in 2013

Image caption, Leeds will need to "bring the tournament alive"

Leeds is to bid to be a host city for the Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

The plan will see matches played at both the city's Headingley and Elland Road stadiums.

Sporting and political leaders in Leeds are finalising the bid before consideration by the council's executive.

The bid has to be submitted by 15 July and the hosts will be known in November 2011.

Sally Bolton, the Rugby Football League's director of events, said that host cities would need to "bring the tournament alive".

An economic evaluation carried out for the rugby league claimed the tournament would bring 拢60m into the UK.

'Tradition and passion'

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, executive member for leisure on Leeds City Council, said a "powerful partnership" of Leeds Rhinos, Leeds United, Marketing Leeds and the council were behind the bid.

Mr Ogilvie added: "We've got a strong tradition and passion for rugby league in this city."

The bid needs to include bringing rugby league to new audiences and Mr Ogilvie revealed that Northern Ballet and Phoenix Dance were two of the organisations hoping to put on a cultural festival.

It will be the 14th staging of the tournament and will involve 14 nations.

New Zealand are the current holders of the title having beaten Australia in 2008.