Samoa to tour England for historic Test series
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England will be seeking to avenge their heartbreaking World Cup exit when they host Samoa in an historic two Test series at the end of the season.
The series, which will be the first time Samoa and England have met outside of a World Cup or tour, will feature Tests in Wigan on October 27 and Leeds on November 2.
Samoa stunned England when they last met in 2022 at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, with Stephen Crichton kicking an extra-time field goal to secure a 27-26 win and a place in history as the first Pacific nation to make a World Cup final.
Match Highlights: England v Samoa
“Everyone knows how devastated we were to lose that World Cup semi-final," England coach Shaun Wane said.
"I know all the players will be as keen as me to take on Samoa again, and I think it will be the same with our supporters.
"They know Samoa will be a top team, with some of the best players in the NRL, but they also know we have an England team worthy of their support."
England hosted Tonga last year - the first time a Pacific nation had toured the UK for a Test series - but despite winning 3-0, the bitter disappointment of their shock World Cup elimination remains.
England v Mate Ma'a Tonga - Game 3
The loss was even more heartbreaking as England had thrashed Samoa 60-6 in the opening match of the World Cup at St James Park in Newcastle before the Junior Paulo-led side turned the tables when it mattered most.
Wane has been keen for Samoa to tour at the end of the season, as proposed under the international calendar announced 12 months ago, which will see England tour Australia next year for an Ashes series ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
“This is the positive news we’ve been waiting for," Wane said.
"We face a tough challenge in France this month and we’ll prepare for that in the knowledge that we’ll have another crack at Samoa at the end of the season. That’s three big games to give us a focus for the rest of the year."
Among the players expected to be in Samoa's squad are Origin stars Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Brian To'o, Spencer Leniu, Murray Taulagi and Jaydn Su'A, while Jeremiah Nanai may also put his hand up for the tour.
Junior Paulo captained the World Cup team, which also included Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Royce Hunt, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Izack Tago and Joseph Sua'ali'i, while Storm sensation Sua Faalogo played in last year's Pacific Championships.
England's squad is expected to include NRL stars Dom Young, Victor Radley (Roosters), Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins), Kai Pearce-Paul (Knights), Tom Burgess (Rabbitohs), Elliott Whitehead, Morgan Smithies (Raiders) and John Bateman (Wests Tigers).
Young scores one and sets up another
“This upcoming tour presents an invaluable opportunity for us to build connections and relationships, as we continue to look forward to what we want to achieve,” Toa Samoa coach Ben Gardiner said.
“We are honoured to be part of this historic series and eager to showcase the talent and spirit of Toa Samoa on the international stage.
“Samoa is a proud nation with a rich rugby league history and we look forward to combining that passion with high performance throughout the series.”
Rugby League Samoa President, Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, shared his excitement for the end-of-year tour.
“The opportunity to compete against England in this two-Test series is a significant moment for our team and our nation,” Vasa said.
“Whenever our nation has the privilege of competing at the highest level, it’s a chance for us to proudly represent our country.
“As we work together, we aim to make Samoa proud on the international stage.”
The series will be played in league heartland, with The Brick Community Stadium in Wigan hosting February's World Club Challenge against Penrith before a capacity crowd, while Headingley Stadium is home to Leeds Rhinos.
“Beating Tonga 3-0 last year was fantastic and it’s great that we’re going back to Headingley where we completed that series," Wane said.
"Personally, I’m very pleased that we’re playing the first game at Wigan. We’ve got great memories of our World Cup quarter final against Papua New Guinea, so let’s hope we can fill the ground again.”
England v Samoa
Game 1: Sunday 27 October, The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, KO 2.30pm
Game 2: Saturday 2 November, AMT Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, KO 2.30pm
