France has been named as the "preferred candidate" for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup ©Getty Images

France has formerly launched its bid to stage the 2025 Rugby League World Cup after being nominated by the International Rugby League (IRL) as the "preferred candidates".

The IRL claim the mandate will allow the French Rugby League Federation (FFRXIII) a period of time to work with them and the French Government to prepare and assess a business plan for staging the event.

FFRXIII President Luc Lacoste has announced their plans and outlined the Organising Committee that will lead the preparation of the proposal.

"After the 2024 Paris Olympics, we are preparing for the Rugby League World Cup in 2025 with a major bid that brings together the men's, women's, wheelchair and youth events," said Lacoste.

"At the heart of this great project is a strong message, 'sport for all', which will be reflected, first and foremost, in the choice of host cities and regional metropolitan partners, stadiums, large and small, as well as affordable prices."

Michel Weiner, director of development for major events at La Poste, will head the Organising Committee which will also include Soisic Le Bourg, an experienced marketing and commercial director, and Robert Zarader, an expert in public affairs and communication.

They will be supported by Dominique Baloup, the former French captain and current secretary general of the FFRXIII, and Lacoste.

The Rugby League World Cup has been staged in France on four occasions, with the latest coming in 2013 ©Getty Images
The Rugby League World Cup has been staged in France on four occasions, with the latest coming in 2013 ©Getty Images

IRL secretary general Danny Kazandjian has already visited the French Government along with Lacoste and colleagues.

"IRL has worked very closely wit Lacoste and his team to make the initial presentations to the French Government," he said.

"We are encouraged by their response and have agreed that France are the preferred candidates for the organisation of RLWC2025.

"We continue to support the development of a compelling business plan and presentation to the government, and we believe that for many reasons, France will be able to deliver the largest World Cup ever."

The hosts of the 2025 Rugby World Cup are expected to be announced by the IRL before England is scheduled to stage this year’s edition from October 23 to November 27.

France has previously hosted the event in 1954, 1972, 2000 and 2013.

Only Australia and England have staged the World Cup on more occasions.