Auckland’s Mount Smart Stadium to host first rugby league tests in two years

With the NRL’s Warriors set to make their return to Mt Smart Stadium in July, international rugby league will be seen first with a double-header at the Auckland venue on Saturday 25th June.

The Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns will take the field for the first time in almost two years against Pacific rivals Tonga in two matches, dubbed 'Te Hokinga Mai-The Return'.

The matches will also coincide with the country's first public holiday celebration of Matariki - the Māori New Year, on the Friday 24th June.

More than a decade has passed since the Kiwi Ferns and Hakula Tonga last faced up - during the  2008 Rugby League World Cup where the Ferns won by 40 points.

Welcoming the Ferns and Kiwis again playing in front of home crowds, NZRL Chief Executive, Greg Peters commented “to celebrate Matariki weekend with an international Test double header that unites our fans and communities in celebration is special.

“We have been working with the NRL for some time now to produce an international weekend on both sides of the Tasman during the origin window. June 25 will also see Samoa play Cook Islands and PNG face Fiji in Campbelltown before Ampol State of Origin the following day.

“We encourage everyone to make their way to Mt Smart come June 25 to break the crowd attendance record for a women’s Test and celebrate the return of international rugby league to New Zealand shores after some challenging years.”

Auckland Unlimited Head of Major Events, Chris Simpson added “Aucklanders are avid rugby league supporters, and to have New Zealand and Tonga play at Mt Smart will be exhilarating.

“We encourage league fans from across New Zealand to make Mt Smart and Tāmaki Makaurau their destinations of choice this Matariki long weekend.”