England to play Fiji in World Cup warm-up match at Rochdale this autumn

Drew Darbyshire

England will play Fiji in a World Cup warm-up match at the Crown Oil Arena in Rochdale this autumn.

Shaun Wane’s England side will take on Fiji on Friday, October 15, eight days before their opening World Cup match against Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

Wane said: “This fixture will be a vital part of our preparations for the World Cup, and I’d like to thank Rochdale Hornets and the Fiji National Rugby League for making this happen. The Bati are a very talented side individually and collectively, and I wish them well at RLWC2021.”

Rochdale Hornets will host the international test match as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Hornets have a rich history with Fiji, with the town of Rochdale hosting the second largest Fijian population in the UK outside of London.

The Crown Oil Arena last hosted an international match at the 2013 World Cup, which saw Fiji beat Ireland 32-14 in front of a sell-out crowd.

Hornets chief executive Steve Kerr said: “We’re delighted to announce our flagship event as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. To welcome Fiji back to Rochdale and continue our cultural links with the island nation is an absolute privilege and honour. 

“Supporting Shaun Wane and his England team in their preparations ahead of the 2021 World Cup is simply incredible and the icing on the cake. I’d like to personally thank Ralph Rimmer and the RFL, Don Natabe (Fijian CEO), the World Cup team and the International Rugby League for helping to make this event possible. We now look forward to showcasing the game under the lights on a Friday night at a sell-out Crown Oil Arena.”

Due to current Government guidelines, there are just 2,000 tickets available to supporters until restrictions are eased.

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