England’s Fiji World Cup warm-up
ENGLAND have confirmed a World Cup warm-up game against Fiji in Rochdale on Friday, October 15, which will double up as a key part of the Hornets’ 150th anniversary celebrations.
Shaun Wane’s side will face the Bati in a crucial match just eight days out from their World Cup opener against Samoa in Newcastle on October 23.
England face the Combined Nations All Stars in June, but Wane had previously spoken of his desire to secure another game on the eve of the World Cup.
That will now happen at Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena.
“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,” Wane said. “The Bati are a very talented side individually and collectively, and I wish them well at RLWC2021.”
Rochdale has the second-largest Fijian population in the UK outside of London, and has a relationship with the Pacific nation dating back more than 50 years when four Fijian rugby players – Orisi Dawai, Josefa Level, Voate Drui and Liatia Ravouvou – played for the Hornets, becoming the first Fijians to play rugby in England.
Rochdale 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.”
Current restrictions mean that an initial allocation of just 2,000 tickets are available for the game until further notice.