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Wellington - Australia and New Zealand will host the 2017 Rugby League World Cup after their joint bid was chosen ahead of South Africa on Wednesday.
They were the only bids for the 15th World Cup. Australia and New Zealand previously hosted together in 1968 and 1977.
"The joint Australia-New Zealand bid was selected as the one with the greatest chance of success in providing more compelling games in world-class environments in front of big, passionate crowds," said Nigel Wood, chairperson of the Rugby League International Federation bid committee.
"The bid from South Africa was very strong, prepared professionally, and clearly demonstrated a passion for rugby league that is growing by the day in that country."
The World Cup in November, hosted by England and Wales, was a huge success, with stadium record crowds in England, France and Ireland, capped by a world-record test crowd of more than 74 000 for the final at Old Trafford, where Australia beat New Zealand 34-2.
