Rugby League legend to face England after allegiance switch

Cross-code star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will face England in the autumn Tests after switching his national allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa following his successful return to Rugby League.

Tuivasa-Sheck has had a glittering career and that’s seen him have success in both codes but he made the return to Rugby League for the 2024 season after spending two seasons playing the 15-man code.

He left the NRL and Rugby League whilst at the peak of his powers after being named Dally M Captain of the Year in 2020 and now, upon his return he’s been just as electric.

Returning to the New Zealand Warriors he has played centre for much of the season and English fans could now have the pleasure of witnessing him live after confirmation that he has switched his national allegiance from New Zealand to Samoa, in one of the biggest international moves in recent years.

That news was reported down under with Samoan coach Ben Gardiner confirming the good news for his side.

England to take on Rugby League legend

Samoa were already expected to be far stronger than Tonga were in 2023 but the addition of Tuivasa-Sheck confirms that. His switch was confirmed by Gardiner, speaking to AAP, as reported by The Roar.

“He’s been very complimentary about the opportunity to play for Samoa,” Gardiner explained.

“He has said if his form merits it he would like to make himself available. When I’ve talked to Roger it’s always been about building to the World Cup.

“We’re trying to build a team so that when Samoa goes to the World Cup in 2026, everyone has played together and knows the styles and systems we have.

“It gives us an opportunity to take Samoa one better the next time around.”

Samoa beat hosts England in the semi-final of the 2022 Rugby League World Cup thanks to a late Stephen Crichton drop goal and the games in October and November will mark the first meetings since then.

It was also confirmed this morning that Sam Tomkins will be part of the England coaching set-up.