Australia are the defending men's and women's world champions, while New Zealand sit second and first in the men's and women's world rankings.

The two nations withdrew last month citing concerns over the worsening coronavirus situation in Australia, a far higher infection rate in England and the length of time players would spend away from their families.

Dates for the rescheduled tournament have yet to be confirmed, although organisers say they hope to be announce these soon.

These are likely to be different from this year's planned dates of October 23 to November 27- with organisers saying they would not expect their new dates to clash with the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to get underway on November 21 2022.

Organisers described the decision to postpone as "extremely difficult" and said they faced a series of "unique and complex challenges" if they had proceeded this year, with the greatest being the non-release of "up to 400 players, match officials and staff members from the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

Speaking after the decision was announced, Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) chief executive Jon Dutton said: "We are bitterly disappointed, as we have worked tirelessly for six years to get the tournament into a remarkable position.

"It became apparent that we could not continue this year, and it would have been irresponsible to try and continue.

"We appreciate the situation is radically different in Australia and New Zealand and we are confident with time that we will be able to show that.

"The decision to postpone was by no means an easy option, and we did come close to a cancellation.

"As administrators, we do not have the right to take away players hopes and dreams of competing in a World Cup.

"People will have their own views on this situation, but for us it is about looking forward and staging the best World Cup possible."

Despite its postponement, the tournament will still be known as Rugby League World Cup 2021.

Men's, women's and wheelchair competitions are due to all be held together for the first time.

International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant said he was confident that Australia and New Zealand would be part of the rescheduled tournament next year.

"I have spoken to representatives of the Australian Rugby League Commission and New Zealand Rugby League and they have talked with positivity about a commitment to 2022.

"The reality of what we are dealing with is that two hemispheres are managing the pandemic in different ways.

"We will make sure all contingencies are put in place to eliminate the risk of falling into a similar position.

"There are further conversations to be had, a lot of work to do and some relationship building to be done but we are confident of a magnificent World Cup."

Dutton added: "If everyone works with the sport's best interests at heart, we can get the best outcome for everyone.

"All the team at Rugby League World Cup 2021 remain committed to delivering an outstanding tournament - the only thing that has changed is the dates."