THE Galpharm Stadium is to host one of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup’s most exciting group games.

Tournament chiefs have today announced the Huddersfield venue will stage the England v Ireland clash in October next year.

It will be England’s only guaranteed match in West Yorkshire and should attract a capacity crowd of 24,000.

The Galpharm got the nod after World Cup organisers chose Kirklees to have Ireland as its adopted country to help make all the competing nations feel welcome in their host venues and build support for their team throughout the tournament.

And with England the host nation, it promises to be a memorable occasion.

“This is fantastic news for rugby league in Kirklees,” said Mehboob Khan, the leader of Kirklees Council. “We’re delighted to be hosting this fixture and it’s fitting England play in Huddersfield, the birthplace of rugby league.

“Our aim is to fill the Galpharm Stadium, and we want to encourage people not only from Kirklees but from all across Yorkshire and further afield to visit Huddersfield, see the England v Ireland match and experience first hand the thrill of rugby league being played at the very highest level.

“We now have a unique opportunity to stimulate even more interest in the game and, over the next 18 months, Kirklees Council, Huddersfield Giants, Batley Bulldogs and Dewsbury Rams will work to further develop the sport to create a legacy from which we will see the sport grow in the future.

“It is also an honour to have Ireland as our adopted country and I feel sure the Irish community and many others in Kirklees will be delighted to support the Irish team throughout the tournament.”