England Test Series for 2024 already in the pipeline against new opponents

England will host Tonga in a three-Test series this Autumn – the first ever international series between the two nations and the first time they have met since 2017’s memorable Rugby League World Cup Semi-final in Auckland.

Tickets are on sale now at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague for matches at St Helens (Totally Wicked Stadium, Sunday 22 October), Huddersfield (John Smith’s Stadium, Saturday 28 October) and Leeds (Headingley Stadium, Saturday 4 November).

Tonga last played England in this country in the 2006 Federation Shield Final – won by 32-14 by England – and the two did not meet again until the November 2017 when the Polynesians, trailing 20-0 with only seven minutes remaining, came within a whisker of overturning the deficit and denying England a final place at the death, eventually losing 20-18.

Two years later the Tongans would emphatically announce themselves as a force on the international stage, with outstanding victories over Australia and Great Britain. With the three-time Super League-winning coach Kristian Woolf at the helm and the outstanding NRL forward Jason Taumalolo likely to be in his squad, Tonga will present a significant challenge to Shaun Wane’s side.

This is great news for rugby league and especially England.

But the question remains what is the next step for England on the road to the World Cup?

Well Serious About Rugby League understands that the RFL is hopeful that Samoa will agree to come over to the UK for a three game series in 2024 as Shaun Wane’s side look to avenge their semi-final defeat to Samoa and set England up for success in 2025.