Rugby league has done an awful lot of work around mental health, particularly with the State of Mind project and 'Tackle the Tough Stuff' within Super League last season.

This World Cup is no exception, as there will be a Mental Fitness Charter launched in tandem with the tournament.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan looks at the challenges facing the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and why this tournament will be different.

Here we go... click on the play button above to watch the draw live from Buckingham Palace.

England prop Tom Burgess is having a late night in Australia following the draw...

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Buckingham Palace

Inside THE Throne Room where the draw is taking place. WOW!

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, SWPIX.COM

There was a sense of frustration for Ireland at the 2017 World Cup, as despite two wins from three games they were eliminated as only one team qualified from their group.

However, there were changes to the set-up in the aftermath of the tournament, despite an impressive showing, and a focus on 'organic', home grown Irish talents.

Stuart Littler guided the Wolfhounds through their qualifying group, beating Spain and Italy, with Huddersfield's Oliver Roberts, Salford back-rower Tyrone McCarthy and St Helens' James Bentley among the high profile names within the squad.

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Scotland's 2017 World Cup was beset by off-field issues and disappointing performances, but with new head coach Chris Chester installed there has been renewed optimism for the Bravehearts.

Qualification was secured after a thumping of Serbia and a hard-fought win over Greece, with the Scots running in 124 across the two games.

Emerging talent such as Leeds half-back Callum McLelland and Newcastle Thunder back-rower Sam Luckley has supplemented regular Super League stars such as Alex Walker and Danny Addy.

Replicating the success of Steve McCormack - beating the Fijians in 2008 and the Tongans in 2013 - will be tough though

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Wales booked their place at the World Cup courtesy of a strong showing at the European Champions in 2018, a welcome boost to head coach John Kear after a disappointing 2017 World Cup.

His side, weakened by absentees, wilted in the Papua New Guinea heat, were downed by Fiji in Townsville and Ireland shredded their hopes of avoiding a whitewash in Perth.

Kear has done brilliantly to pick the Dragons up and with Super League stars such as Regan Grace, Rhys Williams and Gil Dudson enjoying impressive seasons, they will hope for a better return in 2021.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Buckingham Palace

Before the formalities get under way, the Duke of Sussex has been inside the Green Drawing room at Buckingham Palace, meeting representatives from the 21 nations competing at next year's men's, women's and wheelchair World Cups.

He has been praising comedian Adam Hills' luscious facial hair. "One of the best manicured and styled beards I have ever seen," he says.

Image source, BBC Sport

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After the disastrous return of the Great Britain Lions in 2019, England's build-up to the World Cup in 2021 takes on even greater importance - particularly with an Ashes series against Australia to warm up with this autumn.

The optimism of 2018's series win over New Zealand was dashed after an England-heavy Lions side lost all four matches against Tonga, New Zealand and then Papua New Guinea, leaving the future of several key figures in doubt.

Whether head coach Wayne Bennett will remain in charge, whether veterans such as James Graham (above) will still be in the fold or whether a new breed of talents will emerge are all questions yet to be answered over the next 22 months or so.

Only a successful Ashes series will do for England, as they seek to emulate and surpass their 2017 World Cup runners-up showing.

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Buckingham Palace

Quite incredible that the draw is taking place in THE actual throne room here. It is an amazing place.

Presenters Dave Woods and Seema Jaswal are currently going through their rehearsals.

The wheelchair draw

• Two groups of four teams, eight nations in total
• Hosts England (A) and holders France (B) have been pre-allocated their groups
• Three pots of two teams will complete the two groups
• Groups, semi-finals and final format

The women's draw

• Two groups of four teams, eight nations in total
• Hosts England (A) and holders Australia (B) have been pre-allocated their groups
• Three pots of two teams will complete the two groups
• Groups, semi-finals and final format

Shamoon Hafez
BBC Sport at Buckingham Palace

Image source, Getty Images

What a setting for a draw.

Arrived at Buckingham Palace as teams wait to find out who they will face at next year's Rugby League World Cup taking place in England.

The Duke of Sussex is making his first public appearance since announcing he and his wife plan to step back as senior royals.

He is not speaking officially to any media today but a cheeky journalist decided to shout: "Harry, how is talk going on your future?"

The reply? A loud laugh.

• Four groups of four teams, 16 nations in total
• Hosts England (A), holders Australia (B), New Zealand (C) and Tonga (D) have been pre-allocated their groups
• Remaining teams to be drawn from three pools of four
• Each group must have a Pacific region team included
• Groups, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final format

Image source, Getty Images

Not only is the Duke of Sussex hosting the draw, the Rugby League World Cup organisers have also added a bit of sporting royalty to the proceedings.

Former Great Britain and England international Jason Robinson - who played in the 1995 final defeat by Australia - and 2012 Olympic rowing gold medal winner Dame Katherine Grainger will help to conduct the draw.

The big guns have been wheeled out indeed.