England vs Tonga three-Test series confirmed as three UK venues announced
England boss Shaun Wane is “thrilled” that his side will host Tonga in an historic three-Test series this autumn – the first ever international series between the two nations.
The much-anticipated fixtures were finally confirmed as they prepare to clash for the first time since the memorable 2017 World Cup semi-final in Auckland. Kristian Woolf brings his Tonga side to his former club St Helens for the First Test on Sunday October 22 before they head to Huddersfield Giants’ John Smith Stadium the following Saturday (October 28) and then round off the series in Leeds at Headingley on Saturday November 4. England, who host France on Saturday, have been in dire need of some high-class international opposition to build on the back of last year’s near-miss World Cup semi-final exit to Samoa.
Tonga, who truly announced themselves on the international stage with outstanding victories over world champions Australia and Great Britain in 2019, will undoubtedly provide that. Wane said: “I’m absolutely thrilled at the prospect of hosting such a huge, three-game Test series against Tonga later this year. Throughout my time as England Head Coach I have said we need to challenge ourselves against the best sides the international game has to offer – and Tonga are certainly one of those.
"They’ve been a real success story on the international stage in recent years, building on their exploits at the 2017 World Cup, and they will offer a real test. The series offers another chance to showcase the international game on home soil following on from the success of last year’s World Cup. It’s also a great opportunity for us to get three high-quality Test Matches under our belt as we continue to push towards the next World Cup in 2025. Hopefully we see the Rugby League public come out and support us once again as we look for a series victory.”
Tonga’s last game in England was November’s World Cup quarter-final against Samoa at Halliwell Jones Stadium – one of the highlights of the tournament both on and off the pitch. The two sides captivated the crowd and TV viewers pre-match with their fierce yet mutually respectful war dances – the Sipi Tau and Sivi Tau – before delivering a classic encounter on the pitch, Samoa triumphing 20-18 on their way to a maiden final appearance.
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Woolf, who won three Grand Finals on the bounce with Saints before moving to the NRL’s Dolphins for 2023, said: “There is no doubt that this is another historic moment for Tongan Rugby League. This will be the first time one of the Pacific Nations has been invited to play in a full three-Test series against England, in the place where our great game began.
England boss Shaun Wanes takes training this week ahead of the France game (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com) (Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)“It is easy to forget that this is an honour usually only reserved for countries like Australia and New Zealand. I know our players are excited by this challenge, and are also keen to go back to England to try and prove what we can do in the Northern Hemisphere. We feel we did not showcase our best at last year’s World Cup, and this will be an opportunity for Tonga to correct that.”
RL Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones said: “Down the years Tonga have brought us some of Rugby League’s most memorable World Cup moments – from 1995 when they outplayed hot favourites New Zealand in an incredible game at Wilderspool, only to lose 25-24, through to that enthralling encounter with England in 2017 which will live long in the memory of all who were present. Two years later they shook off the ‘nearly’ tag and defeated the Kangaroos, then Great Britain. Tonga will bring incredible passion, as well as outstanding skills. So too will England – and the passion of our supporters can help take us to victory. We have chosen high quality, accessible stadia in Rugby League heartlands and tickets will sell fast. This is a Test Series not to be missed.”
Given the size and location of those stadiums, and avoiding an urge perhaps to move at least one fixture to London or Newcastle, organisers have given themselves a great chance of securing a sell-out series. International Rugby League (IRL) chair Troy Grant added: “The announcement of the historic series between England and Tonga provides clarity around international content and builds on the back of a great World Cup in England last October and November.
“The Tonga players and officials, led by coach Kristian Woolf, have pioneered the rise of international Rugby League since the 2017 World Cup and they will create further history by becoming the first Pacific Islands nation to play a full international series against England in England. I would like to thank Tonga for making this investment in international Rugby League in the Northern Hemisphere and wish them every success as they seek revenge.”
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