Milo has become the newest partner of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup ©RLWC 2017

Drinks products manufacturer Milo have become the latest partner in Papua New Guinea for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, which the country will co-host with Australia and New Zealand.

The company already have an association with the sport in Papua New Guinea as it supports the League Bilong Laif programme, which encourages healthy lifestyles and promotes education.

As part of the agreement, Milo will run fan initiatives in “official precinct areas” during the tournament, scheduled to take place between October 26 and December 2.

“It is great to see Milo’s continued support of rugby league in Papua New Guinea through this partnership with the Rugby League World Cup 2017,” said Rohan Sawyer, the competition’s general manager of commercial and marketing.

This year’s tournament will see 14 teams battle for the title, currently held by Australia.

The 17,000 capacity National Football Stadium in Port Moresby will host three of the 28 games.

Papua New Guinea are co-hosting the tournament alongside Australia and New Zealand ©Getty Images
Papua New Guinea are co-hosting the tournament alongside Australia and New Zealand ©Getty Images

All of these will feature Papua New Guinea in the opening round, with the hosts facing Wales and Ireland in Group C.

They will also play the United States in an inter-group clash on November 12.

Papua New Guinea have played in six previous World Cups.

Their best result came in the 1985-1988 tournament when they came fourth in a competition played in a league format with the top two contesting a final.