Eden Park to host international rugby league triple-header

Eden Park to host international rugby league triple-header

In what will be one of New Zealand’s biggest days of rugby league, Auckland’s Eden Park is to host a remarkable international triple header between the Kiwis, Great Britain, Australia, Tonga, Samoa and Fiji on 2nd November.

In what will be the first time the Lions will have played since the home series against New Zealand in 2007 and their first appearance in the southern hemisphere since 2006, the line-up of Tests will see the Kiwis play Great Britain, the Kangaroos take on Tonga and Samoa play Fiji on the first Saturday in November.

The Lions tour will also see Tests against the Kumuls, in Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. There were plans for the Lions to also play Fiji and Samoa on the tour, but these were dropped to reduce costs while talks for the Lions to also play the Kangaroos on the tour broke down.

The Kiwis will play a test in Wollongong against Australia in October, before returning to New Zealand to take on the Lions.

Commenting on the hosting of the triple header, Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner advised “Eden Park is thrilled to partner with New Zealand Rugby League and ATEED to help foster league’s growth on the world stage and to ensure a legacy is continued from the Oceania Cup.

“The country’s largest stadium is committed to working with NZRL in a long-term capacity. Our team is absolutely confident that, together with the Park’s global status and expansive venue footprint, we can deliver maximum reach and engagement for these fixtures now and in future.”

Eden Park is also to host the 2019 Lifewise Big Sleepout on 20th June.

The event, which will see entrepreneurs, businesses and community leaders come together to raise funds that will go towards Lifewise’s work for ending homelessness, will see participants battle the elements to spend a night sleeping on a piece of cardboard, and receiving an insight into what it means to sleep rough.

Their commitment will be rewarded by donations from family, friends, colleagues and the public, with every dollar raised going towards Lifewise’s work.

Sautner (pictured) is personally participating in the event and those wishing to support him can aid his fundraising at lifewisebigsleepout2019.everydayhero.com/nz/NickSautner

Sautner adds “our community is integral to our success and we are committed to supporting this worthy cause for the betterment of those affected.

“Eden Park is built for more than cricket and rugby and we’re thrilled to be involved in delivering another event that will assist Aucklanders and help spread a wider message.

“Community events of this nature showcase the potential of our significantly under-utilised public facility and harness the Eden Park global profile to raise awareness of those within our community less fortunate.”