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World Cup ticket sales boost Christchurch NRL hopes
Scott Bailey, AAP • September 2nd, 2026 8:40 pm
Warriors run out at Te Kaha | Photo: Photosport
New Zealand's push for a second NRL team has been given a further boost, with the new Christchurch stadium set to become the first sold-out venue at this year's World Cup.
Officials on Wednesday released an extra 1000 tickets for the October 25 double header featuring the men's clash between New Zealand and Cook Islands and women's match featuring the Kiwi Ferns and France, with the date previously sold out.
It comes with ticket sales for this year's tournament well up on previous editions, with more than 140,000 sold across the board.
Christchurch is one of several potential locations in New Zealand for a 20th team from as soon as 2029, alongside Wellington and Hamilton.
A fifth Queensland club is also an option.
The Warriors' recent success has led to huge crowds turning out for their home games | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
"It's obviously a matter for the ARLC, but any investment internationally is a boom for the international game," International Rugby League (IRL) chair Troy Grant told AAP.
"Vegas has got nothing to do with us really, but the boom we get internationally just off the back of Vegas as a domestic premiership stuff.
"So anything the NRL do abroad, or globally, has flow-on massive benefits for the international game.
"I don't recall international rugby league, outside the Kangaroo tours of the 1980s and early 1990s, ever having this much interest right throughout a season.
"This much discussion, talking points, how it's never been as competitive. Everything the NRL's doing under Peter V'Landys' leadership is hitting the mark."
The Christchurch sales figures come after the Warriors have sold out 41 of 46 home games since being exiled from New Zealand during the pandemic.
A match at the new One New Zealand Stadium attracted a crowd of 25,325 in June and sold out in just five days.
"It's full credit to (chief executive) Cameron George and the Warriors team over there," Grant said.
"They've been unbelievable ambassadors for the game that help create momentum domestically.
"I'd probably say we used to have a fractured domestic rugby league scene over there, but everyone's pulling in the same direction now.
"Under the chairmanship of Justin Leydesdorff , New Zealand Rugby League domestically is going to new levels."
Warriors fans are on the verge of watching their side clinch the NRL minor premiership | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
The rise of the Pacific also has the Tonga and Samoa match at CommBank Stadium on November 1 rapidly nearing a sell out, as is the November 15 final at Suncorp Stadium.
"The only question about Tonga and Samoa is whether the stadium will be more red or blue," Grant said.
"Let's see who is really more passionate between those titans."
Nations must submit 40-player squads by Friday for the IRL and NRL to check eligibility and integrity respectively, before they are reduced to 23 on October 6.
Players will be allowed to be named in different countries' preliminary squads, and must determine who they want to play for over the next month.
Questions over the eligibility of the Fainu brothers remains a question, with the Wests Tigers trio needing to provide more documentation in order to play for Fiji.
Tune into Sport Nation for live commentary of Rugby League World Cup 2026 this October and November - download the app today on Google Play and the App Store.
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