The Rugby League World Cup has announced that it will be paying women and wheelchair athletes for the first time. 

The participation fee the players will be receiving is equal to what the men will be paid.

Women will also be receiving prize money for the first time but it hasn't been confirmed if this will be the same as the men's prize pot.

The tournament, which takes place in 2021, sees an increase in the men's money of 125% from the last competition. 

Chief executive of the RLWC Jon Dutton said: “Our board have worked hard with colleagues at the IRL and the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) to secure this positive and ground-breaking decision and we’re delighted with the outcome.

"One of our core values as a tournament is inclusivity and we believe that our revised agreements showcase our determination to ensure we celebrate this in 2021.”

This comes just after the World Cup Nines tournament ended, the ground-breaking competition paying female rugby league players for the first time in the sports history.

The chief executive of International Rugby League Nigel Wood said: “Once again international rugby league has shown itself to be progressive and relentless in its aspiration to embrace true inclusivity. 

"These announcements are a tribute to the journey the women’s and wheelchair games have made over the past decade."