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Sport Nation
Kiwis & Kiwi Ferns return to home soil for Pacific Championships
Sport Nation • August 6th, 2025 8:53 am
Photo: Photosport
The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are back on home soil in 2025 for the Pacific Championships, with four Test matches scheduled.
The first double-header will be held at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Sunday 19 October, featuring the Kiwis vs Toa Samoa and the Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa.
Another double-header follows on Sunday 2 November at Eden Park, with the Kiwi Ferns taking on the Australian Jillaroos and the Kiwis facing Tonga.
Kiwi Fern Gayle Broughton | Photo: Photosport
“Rugby league Test matches don’t get much better than the Pacific clashes set to be held in Aotearoa this year,” says 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 Kiwis are aiming to bounce back after their narrow 25-24 loss to Tonga last year.
With the 2026 Rugby League World Cup in sight, they’re focused on reclaiming the championship they won in 2023.
The Kiwi Ferns, after defeating the Jillaroos in 2023 for the first time in seven years, are looking to reclaim their title after a 24-4 loss in last year’s final.
They’ll also face Fetu Samoa for the first time since 2020.
