Downer is the major sponsor of the inaugural Rugby League World Cup 9s, to be held at the new Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on 18 and 19 October, 2019.

The tournament will feature 12 nations in the men’s competition and four teams in the women’s tournament playing a total of 28 matches across 12 hours of action.

Downer sponsored the popular Auckland Nines tournament – contested by the 16 NRL club sides – in 2016 and 2017. The Downer World Cup 9s takes the nine-a-side concept one step further – an international event featuring the world’s best players representing all the major rugby league nations. While final teams will be announced in the lead-up to the tournament, tier one nations like Australia, New Zealand and England are already assured of a place.

“The best players in the world will be on show in this completely unique concept over the course of two days at the brand new Western Sydney Stadium,” NRL CEO, Todd Greenberg, says. “The whole week will be a celebration of rugby league in Western Sydney, with a number of community initiatives planned.”

The Downer World Cup 9s will be the Rugby League International Federation’s marquee tournament in 2019 and will be shown live on Channel Nine and around the world.

Australia Kangaroos coach, Mal Meninga, believes the World Cup 9s will be an important concept to grow the game globally. 

“I have no doubt that World Cup 9s will be a great way to expand the game at an international level,” Meninga says. “I’m a real advocate for this concept based on what it can do for the international game.”