Channel Seven has confirmed it will cover all 2013 Rugby League World Cup games on 7mate.

The competition will kick-off in England and Wales later this month with Seven – covering rugby league for the first time in 21 years – hosting from its Sydney studio but taking commentary from the BBC.

Ryan Phelan, a former Fox Sports presenter, will lead the coverage on 7mate walongside rugby league stalwarts Matt King, Nathan Fien and Nigel Vagana, who are penciled in give expert analysis.

The tournament finishes up with the final on December 1.

"We’re delighted to be broadcasting rugby league at such a significant global event when the best players in the world get a chance to represent their country,” Seven’s head of sport, Saul Shtein, told News Corp Australia.

"It only serves to underline Seven’s commitment to covering the best sports, live and free."