England vs Tonga records staggering TV viewing figures

England defeated Tonga in the opening test of their series on Sunday at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

It was a fantastic occasion for England fans though kick off was delayed for around 18 minutes.

This was due to fans getting into the stadium and ticket scanners not functioning properly.

In the end, the game kicked off just after 2:45 after the originally scheduled 2:30 kick off time.

Unfortunately, this did impact coverage at the end of the game on BBC One with the game dropping off the air at 16:50.

But how did the game do in terms of viewing figures from fans on BBC One.

Well, according to RugbyleagueonTV.com the average viewing figures stood at 566,000 with a peak of 642,000.

This was an 8.5% audience share – strong figures when you consider the Premier League action on at the same time.

This is a vast increase on the last viewing figures for a game on free to air television.

This was of course the semi-final between Wigan Warriors and Hull KR which unfortunately recorded Channel 4’s worst viewing figures of the season and a massive drop off from the week prior between St Helens and Warrington Wolves.

The attendance for the game at the weekend was a strong 12,898. However, it could have been stronger than that with many reports suggesting that the RFL were hoping for around 14,000.

Either way, the fans in attendance and watching on TV were treated to a tense and engaging test match.

England struck first when Mikey Lewis carved through with a great run that got England within range.

Then swift ball movement to the left saw Toby King score. King is now a Super League Champion after helping Wigan to the title in his final game for the club as part of a loan move from Warrington. In 2024, he will return to the Wolves.

England then fell 10-6 behind but a burrowing effort from debutant Lewis saw England level matters before Harry Smith fired England ahead 12-10. Lewis would go on to win Man of the Match.

Tonga levelled matters with a penalty but a brace of Tom Johnstone tries gave England a 22-12 lead and they clung on despite a late try for Kristian Woolf’s men.