England to host Samoa in two-match series

England will host Samoa in an historic two-match series at the end of the season in Wigan on October 27 and Leeds on November 2.

The two-match Test series, Samoa's first in England, offers Shaun Wane and his team an opportunity to avenge the bitter disappointment of their World Cup semi final defeat in November 2022.

“This is the positive news we’ve been waiting for," Wane said. "We face a tough challenge in France this month and we’ll prepare for that in the knowledge that we’ll have another crack at Samoa at the end of the season. That’s three big games to give us a focus for the rest of the year.

“Everyone knows how devastated we were to lose that World Cup Semi Final. I know all the players will be as keen as me to take on Samoa again.

“And I think it will be the same with our supporters. They know Samoa will be a top team, with some of the best players in the NRL. But they also know we have an England team worthy of their support.

“Beating Tonga 3-0 last year was fantastic and it’s great that we’re going back to Headingley where we completed that series. And personally, I’m very pleased that we’re playing the first game at Wigan. We’ve got great memories of our World Cup Quarter Final against Papua New Guinea, so let’s hope we can fill the ground again.”

England have played three previous fixtures against Samoa, beating them 32-26 in Brisbane in 2014 and then demolishing them 60-6 at St James’ Park in Newcastle in the first game of the World Cup in 2022, before Stephen Crichton’s drop goal in Golden Point extra time inflicted a 27-26 defeat four weeks later.

“This upcoming tour presents an invaluable opportunity for us to build connections and relationships, as we continue to look forward to what we want to achieve,” Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said.

“We are honoured to be part of this historic series and eager to showcase the talent and spirit of Toa Samoa on the international stage.

“Samoa is a proud nation with a rich rugby league history and we look forward to combining that passion with high performance throughout the series.”

Rugby League Samoa President, Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, shared his excitement for the end-of-year tour.

“The opportunity to compete against England in this two-Test series is a significant moment for our team and our nation,” Vasa said.

“Whenever our nation has the privilege of competing at the highest level, it’s a chance for us to proudly represent our country.

“As we work together, we aim to make Samoa proud on the international stage.”

England v Samoa 

Game 1: Sunday 27 October, The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, KO 2.30pm

Game 2: Saturday 2 November, AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, KO 2.30pm

Tickets are available to buy now at rugby-league.com/tickets with prices starting per test match from £25 Adults and £12.50 Under 16s. If booking 10 tickets or more, save 20% with prices instead from £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s – available now via the Groups Sales team at groups@rlcommercial.co.uk or on 0844 856 1115.