Rugby league World Cup 2030 to adopt 'Magic Round' format across Pacific

The International Rugby League (IRL) board revealed on Monday that the 2030 Rugby League World Cup will depart from traditional tournament structures, instead adopting a 'Magic Round' format that will see matches clustered in multiple host cities throughout the Pacific and United States.

According to IRL board chief Troy Grant, the competition will span five cities across the region, with matches grouped together during designated rounds rather than spread sequentially across the host nations. This format has been used successfully in domestic competitions, creating intense periods of play that generate heightened fan engagement and media coverage.

The decision marks a significant shift in how rugby league's premier international tournament will be organised, offering organisers flexibility in venue management and potentially reducing the overall duration of the competition. The format is expected to provide participating nations with consolidated schedules while maximising fan attendance during concentrated match periods.

The 2030 World Cup will follow recent editions hosted in England and France, continuing rugby league's expansion into new markets. The selection of Pacific and North American venues underscores the sport's strategic growth ambitions in regions where rugby league participation has been developing.