France have made the decision to pull out of hosting the 2025 Rugby League World Cup.
As far back as 2016, United States and Canada won the rights to stage the tournament in what was supposed to be a landmark moment for the sport.
However, two years later, they gave up the rights to host the event due to financial reasons, and France were eventually chosen as the replacement.
That was until Monday when it was revealed that France had also withdrew from hosting the 17th edition of the competition, also due to financial issues.
The French Government and tournament organisers have been unable to find common ground over how to proceed with the tournament.
Troy Grant, the chair of the International Rugby League, said: "It's difficult to express how disappointed I am with this news.
"There's no secret as to how important the strengthening of France as a rugby league nation is to our global game and central to our strategic plans.
"I respect the French government's decision amid the challenges they are facing but I can't hide my disappointment, that I conveyed clearly to them in person."
No further developments are expected until at least July, when a board meeting will be held to assess their options.
The last five editions of the tournament have rotated between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, with England and Australia generally taking centre stage as the main host nation with surrounding countries also staging games.
The 2021 competition was delayed until the back end of 2022 due to coronavirus, Australia running out victors over Samoa in front of 67,502 fans at Old Trafford. body check tags ::
