Richard Lewis, the executive chair of the Rugby Football League (RFL), has called upon the government to support the organisation's bid to stage the 2013 Rugby League World Cup to Britain.

In a speech at the All Party Parliamentary Rugby League Group's annual dinner in London, Lewis said that he believed that the backing of regional agencies and central government will be crucial in convincing the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) to award the tournament to England. The RFL hopes that government support would result in the creation of a more tax advantageous position for the governing body, as well as the provision of national and regional funding.

An initial draft bid has already been submitted to the RLIF, and a completed formal bid is expected to be made in the next six months. Lewis said: "There have already been very good expressions of support from government and the regional development agencies but now we need a firm, detailed commitment from them as part of our bid to stage the next Rugby League World Cup.

"In common with other sports and governing bodies in the UK, we are in competition with other nations who are able to take advantage of these types of tax arrangements and funding to support the staging of world events. The organisers of the 2008 tournament benefited from this and we need to be in a similar position." The 2008 Rugby League World Cup was staged in Australia, and won by New Zealand.