The company will be tasked with operating official merchandise stores at each of the 61 matches across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments in England next year.

Cube will also design and operate the official online store, which is due to launch in September 2020.

Organisers say Cube will create a world class ecommerce service and offer fans a comprehensive range of merchandise for the tournament.

The company will use the brand of the tournament and work with official apparel partner Kappa to design tournament products.

"We are delighted to be working with Jonathan and the RLWC2021 team, and are looking forward to creating exciting products and a great retail experience for fans attending and watching RLWC2021," said Andy Bough, managing director of Cube Partnership.

"From our first meeting we have been excited by RLWC2021’s ambition to be the biggest and best Rugby League World Cup ever and we look forward to playing our part in doing just that.

"Cube is all about partnership and collaboration and we share RLWC2021’s vision to inspire, excite and engage with fans and stakeholders alike and to deliver three great tournaments in one."

RLWC2021 welcomed the support of Cube for the tournament, with organisers highlighting the company’s experience in creating retail and merchandise experiences for sports fans at some of the world’s most prestigious events.

Jonathan Neill, RLWC2021 commercial director, said the company stood out during the competitive tender process in "understanding, interpreting and sharing" the vision of the tournament.

"Cube has significant experience and expertise in delivering world class merchandise programmes at other major global events and will enhance the match day experience for our hundreds of thousands of fans," Neill said.

"We will work together to use merchandise to drive fan engagement in the build up to, and during, the tournament, whether it be in person at the stadia – or via the easy access to our online store.

"Our strategy will cater for a wide range of fans - both our core and loyal rugby league family and those who will come to the sport for the first time to support RLWC2021.

"We feel merchandise can play a vital role in helping meet our objectives."

Hosted every four years, the Rugby League World Cup will come to England in 2021, having previously held the competition along with Ireland, France and Wales, in 2013.

It will also be the first time that the men's, women's and wheelchair editions of the tournament will be held at the same time.

The 16-team men's Rugby League World Cup is scheduled to run from October 23 to November 27 in 2021, with Australia seeking to defend their title.

Australia will also aim to retain the women’s title, with the eight-team women's tournament due to be held from November 13 to 27.

The wheelchair event will take place at the same time as the two competitions.

The tournament schedule will be released tomorrow.