The tournament sees host nation and World Champions Great Britain face Australia, New Zealand, and Serbia in a mini league format, feeding two semi-finals and subsequently the World Cup Final on July 13.

The World Cup features as the centrepiece of the 16 Air Assault Brigade and Colchester Garrison Show on Saturday July 6, when the Great Britain v Australia match will take place during a showcase of the equipment and skills of 16 Air Assault Brigade, which is the British Army’s rapid reaction force. As well as flypasts by military jets and helicopters, the Parachute Regiment's Red Devils freefall display team dropping in with the match ball.

The tournament final is held a week later on Saturday July 13, and will be preceded by fly-past from the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Colonel Andrew Jackson, Deputy Commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, said: "We look forward to welcoming fellow soldiers and sportsmen from across the world to Colchester for the Armed Forces Rugby League World Cup.

"Sport is an integral part of Forces life and teaches our servicemen important lessons about competiveness, teamwork, courage and self-discipline. We hope that hosting an international sporting competition will inspire our servicemen to achieve their best at whatever their sport is, and develop valuable military skills at the same time.

"We would also welcome the public to join us for the two showpiece games, with the opportunity to both watch sport at its best and enjoy a wider military spectacle on both days."

Although the Great Britain Armed Forces Rugby League team has been preparing intensely to defend its title, the tournament organisers are keen that the World Cup also gives a once in a generation opportunity to raise the profile and broaden participation of Rugby League across all three of our own Armed Forces.

Air Commodore Dean Andrew, Chairman of Armed Forces Rugby League commented: “Rugby League has become the team sport of choice in the UK military. It embodies all the attributes that we look for in our own Servicemen; physical fitness, pride, dedication and respect for officials and opponents alike.

“Matches between the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force have become some of the most fiercely contested and passionate events in the annual sporting calendar and are eagerly awaited. The World Cup promises the same but at an international level.”

The public are welcome to attend all matches. Fixtures on 30 June, 3 July and 10 July will take place on pitches at the Budd VC Gymnasium on Berechurch Road, with matches on 6 July and 13 July played at the Garrison B Ground on Circular Road North.

The full fixture list for the Armed Forces Rugby League World Cup is as follows:

Sunday 30th June

1430 Great Britain v New Zealand
1730 Australia v Serbia

Wednesday 3rd July

1530 Great Britain v Serbia
1830 Australia v New Zealand

Saturday 6th July

1100 New Zealand v Serbia
1330 Great Britain v Australia

Wednesday 10th July

1600 Semi Final 1 1st Place v 4th Place

1900 Semi Final 2 – 2nd Place v 3rd Place

Saturday 13th July

1400 Armed Forces World Cup Final