top of page

International league back in Christchurch

Updated: Aug 23

Rugby League's Pacific Championships is being held once again with New Zealand to host three tests starting in October
Kiwis player Joseph Manu during the against Mate Ma’a Tonga at Mt Smart in 2022. The sides will face off again in October at the same venue PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY

New Zealand will host three tests of rugby league's Pacific Championships in October.


New Zealand Rugby League confirmed the men's and women's international competition will return in October and November in partnership with the NRL.


LATEST HEADLINES:


Two match days will take place in New Zealand, with Christchurch's Apollo Projects Stadium set to host a double-header between the Kiwi Ferns and Australia Jillaroos, and Kiwis and Kangaroos on October 27.


It will mark the Kiwis' return to Christchurch for the first time in five years and the Kiwi Ferns' first South Island test since 1998.


The Kiwis will face Tonga at Auckland's Go Media Stadium at Mt Smart on November 2.


"It is a very special occasion to partner with Christchurch and work with Canterbury Rugby League to take the Pacific Championships to our fans in the South Island for the first international fixtures there in five years," said NZRL chief executive Greg Peters.


"We're excited to work with Tonga to bring their rugby league heroes back to play in front of their proud community in Auckland, with the support of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited making this possible.


"International rugby league in New Zealand creates celebrations of culture and passion that captures the hearts and minds of all sports fans, the tests here will be unmissable."


Both teams head into this year's international season on a high, having convincingly defeated rivals Australia in their final matches in 2023.


The games saw the Kiwis lift the Pacific Championships’ Pacific Cup in its inaugural year, with the Kiwi Ferns ending Australia's seven-year streak of wins against them.


The 2024 Pacific Championships is a two-tiered competition, with men's and women's teams from across the Pacific competing for the Pacific Cup and the Pacific Bowl.


The grand finals will be played in Sydney, Australia on November 10.


KIWIS AND KIWI FERNS SCHEDULES


Sunday, October 27: Kiwi Ferns vs Jillaroos, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, TBC

Sunday, October 27: Kiws vs Kangaroos, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, TBC


Saturday, November 2: Kiwi Ferns vs Papúa New Guinea, Santos Stadium, Port Moresby, TBC

Saturday, November 2: Kiwis vs Tonga, Go Media Stadium, Auckland, TBC


Sunday, November 10: Men's and women's grand finals in Sydney, Australia

bottom of page