England will host Tonga in a three-match Test series in October – the first ever international series between the two nations and the first time they have met since 2017’s memorable World Cup semi-final in Auckland.
The three-game Test series will kick off at Totally Wicked Stadium October 22 before matches are played at Huddersfield (October 28) and Leeds (November 4).
Tonga last played England in England in the 2006 Federation Shield Final – won by 32-14 by England – and the two did not meet again until 2017.
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.
“I’m absolutely thrilled at the prospect of hosting a such a huge, three-game Test series against Tonga later this year," Wane said in a statement.
"Throughout my time as England head coach I have said we need to challenge ourselves against the best sides the international game has to offer – and Tonga are certainly one of those.
"They’ve been a real success story on the international stage in recent years, building on their exploits at the 2017 World Cup, and they will offer a real test.
"The series offers another chance to showcase the international game on home soil following on from the success of last year’s World Cup.
"It’s also a great opportunity for us to get three high-quality Test Matches under our belt as we continue to push towards the next World Cup in 2025.
"Hopefully we see the rugby league public come out and support us once again as we look for a series victory."
Tonga’s last game in England was November’s World Cup quarter-final against Samoa at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium – one of the highlights of the tournament both on and off the pitch.
The two sides captivated the crowd and TV viewers pre-match with their fierce yet mutually respectful war dances – the Sipi Tau and Sivi Tau – before delivering a classic encounter on the pitch, Samoa triumphing 20-18 to book a semi-final date with England.
“There is no doubt that this is another historic moment for Tongan Rugby League. This will be the first time one of the Pacific Nations has been invited to play in a full three-Test series against England, in the place where our great game began," Woolf said.
“It is easy to forget that this is an honour usually only reserved for countries like Australia and New Zealand. I know our players are excited by this challenge, and are also keen to go back to England to try and prove what we can do in the Northern Hemisphere.
"We feel we did not showcase our best at last year’s World Cup, and this will be an opportunity for Tonga to correct that.”
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The announcement has been welcomed by the International Rugby League.
“The announcement of the historic series between England and Tonga provides clarity around international content and builds on the back of a great World Cup in England last October and November," IRL chair Troy Grant added.
“The Tonga players and officials, led by coach Kristian Woolf, have pioneered the rise of international Rugby League since the 2017 World Cup and they will create further history by becoming the first Pacific Islands nation to play a full international series against England in England.
“I would like to thank Tonga for making this investment in international Rugby League in the Northern Hemisphere and wish them every success as they seek revenge.”
