“Music icon” set to perform at Rugby League World Cup Final

The Rugby League World Cup Final will not only see the stars of the sport take to the field but also a “music icon” as the organisers confirmed today that Heather Small would be performing on Saturday.

The statement released by organisers said:

The Rugby League World Cup 2021 has showcased the very best that the sport has to offer, with a historic tournament celebrating the men’s, women’s and wheelchair codes of the game coming to an exciting climax this weekend (18-19^th November).

The Wheelchair final will take place on Friday night as hosts England aim to beat current holders France in front of a packed crowd at Manchester Central.

The double-header final at Manchester’s Old Trafford Stadium will be the first of its kind, with holders of the women’s trophy Australia taking on New Zealand in the women’s final, followed by what promises to be an enthralling encounter as first-time finalists Samoa look to dethrone Australia in the men’s competition.

British soul singer and music icon, Heather Small will be performing at Old Trafford at half-time and full-time of the men’s fixture, as well as bringing out the women’s trophy before the opening game gets underway. Small will be performing some of her most loved anthems like Moving on Up and Proud for the huge crowd at Old Trafford.

Small’s half-time performance will precede the arrival of rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield, who is set to complete his epic 7^th ultra-marathon in as many days to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease, which his dear friend and former teammate Rob Burrow is currently battling with.

Meanwhile, Jon Dutton, Chief Executive at RLWC2021 commented: “We are really pleased to be able to announce that Heather Small will be performing at Saturday’s historic double-header final. Manchester is the home of all three of our finals so it’s fitting that we celebrate this historic occasion.

“The players from all of the competing nations have given fans incredible entertainment over the last four weeks, and we are set for two fantastic finals on Saturday. The entertainment on the pitch is sure to be matched by Heather, who is a true performer, and someone we are all really excited to being part of history as RLWC2021 crowns its men’s and women’s winners.”

Heather Small spoke about her joy at performing at the final: “It’s an absolute privilege to perform at the Rugby League World Cup final – I can’t wait. It’s been an incredible tournament so far, both on and off the pitch, with some wonderful stories, so to be asked to be part of the party atmosphere for the final celebrations at Old Trafford is really special to me.”

RLWC2021’s historic double-header final will kick off at 13:30 (GMT) on Saturday 19 November, with Australia vs New Zealand in the women’s tournament. The men’s final will follow, with Australis vs Samoa kicking off at 16:00 (GMT). The Wheelchair final will take place at Manchester Central on Friday 18 November, kicking off at 19:30 (GMT).