Two international doubleheaders have been confirmed for Go Media Stadium and Eden Park in this year’s Pacific Championships in October-November.
In the men’s Pacific Cup, the Stacey Jones-coached Kiwis will host the Samoans at Go Media Stadium on October 19 before taking on Tonga at Eden Park on Sunday, November 2 (the first time the Kiwis and Tonga have clashed at the stadium).
Samoa and Tonga meet at Suncorp Stadium on October 26 with the two top-placed sides going on to face off in the final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on November 9.
The Kiwi Ferns, again coached by Rickey Henry, start the women’s Pacific Cup series against Fetu Samoa at Go Media Stadium on October 19 before meeting the Jillaroos at Eden Park on November 2. The top two sides will meet in the final at CommBank Stadium on November 9.
The full draw for the 2025 Pacific Championships was announced today with games being three countries and four consecutive weekends in October and November.
Samoa returns in the men’s Cup draw after missing last year’s Pacific Championships to tour England and is set to face off with 2024 runner-up Tonga as part of an explosive opening doubleheader which will also feature the Jillaroos and Samoa in action at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday, October 26.
Sydney’s golden west will come alive for the final in rugby league heartland, with western Sydney’s passionate Pasifika community set to bring a vibrant atmosphere to the men’s and women’s Pacific Cup deciders at CommBank Stadium on Sunday, November 9.
“Rugby league Test matches don’t get much better than the Pacific clashes set to be held in Aotearoa this year,” said NZRL CEO Greg Peters.
“We know the staunchly proud Tongan and Samoan fans especially will come out in force, celebrating their teams and culture in what will be unmissable matches.
“With the growth of the women’s game too, having the Kiwi Ferns back in Auckland for two matches this year, where they have a strong supporter base, is pivotal in inspiring the next generation of female fans and young players in the game.”
The men’s and women’s Pacific Bowl tournaments will be played over three consecutive weekends at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby.
The men’s Bowl includes Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Cook Islands, with PNG, Cook Islands and Tonga to contest the women’s Bowl.
Tickets for the Go Media Stadium and Eden Park matches go on sale via Ticketek at 12.00pm on Wednesday, August13 at 12pm. Sign up to NZRL’s Kiwi Membership (from 12pm, Thursday, August 7) or Ticketek to access exclusive pre-sale details.
View the full draw online HERE. : https://www.nrl.com/pacific-championships
