Thousands are ready to celebrate rugby league today on Huddersfield’s big day in the international spotlight.

The John Smith’s Stadium hosts its first ever 24,000 sporting sell-out as England take on Ireland in the World Cup.

And with England losing their opener against Australia last weekend, today’s match is one they really need to win.

The town expects a tourism boost as the birthplace of rugby league becomes a worldwide focal point.

More than 150 youngsters from across Kirklees will kick-start the big day with the district’s own primary school World Cup 2013.

Schools from across Kirklees are taking part with each of them representing at least one of the RLWC2013 14 nations.

Each team will play in their representative nation’s colours in the game which is played to new primary rugby league rules.

The matchday festival will take place at Leeds Road Sports Complex this morning. After the competition all the teams will march to the stadium wearing their nation’s colours.

Each child taking part will then watch the match and a lucky six teams, drawn at random, will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the pitch at half-time.

The primary schools taking part in the festival are Christ Church Woodhouse, Helme, Fieldhead, South Crosland, Holmfirth and Brockholes together with some rugby league community clubs.

Glenn Holdsworth, manager of Huddersfield Giants Community Trust, said: “It’s great to see so many children taking part in rugby league activities and becoming part of the World Cup’s lasting legacy.

“Some of the children are new to rugby league and, hopefully, a day like this can add them to our growing rugby league family in Kirklees and we can signpost them on to our many community clubs.”

The big weekend started yesterday with the Rugby League World Cup 2013 Celebration at the John Smith’s Stadium.

The day-long event featured exhibitions and displays and talks by leading figures from the RL world.

Speakers included Neil Fox MBE, Dave Woods, Angela Powers, Garry Schofield OBE, Robbie Hunter-Paul, David Oxley CBE, Bev Risman OBE, John Kear, Gary Hetherington, Johnny Whiteley and Tony Collins.

Fans enjoyed listening to stories and opinions from some of the game’s biggest names both on and off the field.

A video of past world cups was shown and memorabilia from many of the leading clubs was on display.