England set to face Fiji

ENGLAND have confirmed a World Cup warm-up game against Fiji in Rochdale on 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, with Wane getting the warm-up fixture he has been keen to secure for some time.

England will already face the Combined Nations All Stars in June, but Wane had spoken of his desire to secure another game on the eve of the World Cup. That will now happen at Rochdale in mid-october, with the town continuing its rich history with Fijian rugby.

“This fixture will be a vital part of our preparations for the World Cup, and I’d like to thank Rochdale 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 over 50 years when four Fijian players - Orisi Dawai, Josefa Level, Voate Drui and Liatia Ravouvou played for the Hornets, the first Fijians to play rugby in England.

Rochdale 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 an initial allocation of just 2,000 tickets are available for the game until further notice.