Auckland rugby league fans are in for a treat this spring as both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns return to home turf for two blockbuster double-header weekends as part of the 2025 Pacific Championships.
In partnership with the NRL, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) will host four international Test matches across Go Media Stadium and Eden Park, featuring some of the fiercest rivalries in the Pacific region.
The action kicks off on Sunday 19 October at Go Media Stadium, with a highly anticipated double-header:
- Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa
- Kiwis vs Toa Samoa
Two weeks later, on Sunday 2 November, the series heads to Eden Park where the Kiwi Ferns will face the formidable Australian Jillaroos, followed by the Kiwis’ showdown with Tonga — a rematch of last year’s nail-biting 25–24 Tongan victory in front of a near sell-out crowd.
NZRL CEO Greg Peters says these Pacific clashes represent the best of international rugby league and celebrate the culture, pride, and passion of the region.
“Tongan and Samoan fans will no doubt turn out in force, creating an electric atmosphere that makes these matches unmissable,” Peters said. “With the women’s game growing rapidly, having the Kiwi Ferns play two matches in Auckland is vital to inspiring the next generation of fans and female athletes.”
Both New Zealand sides are looking to reclaim their 2023 Pacific Championship titles. The Kiwi Ferns will face Fetu Samoa for the first time since 2020 and seek redemption after a 24–4 loss to the Jillaroos in last year’s final. Meanwhile, the Kiwis aim to reassert dominance in the tournament with the Australian Kangaroos absent due to international commitments in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Pacific Championships are split into two tiers – the Pacific Cup and Pacific Bowl – with nations competing in a round-robin format before finals take place at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday 9 November.
2025 Pacific Championships – NZ Fixtures
Sunday 19 October – Go Media Stadium, Auckland
- Kiwi Ferns vs Fetu Samoa
- Kiwis vs Toa Samoa
Sunday 2 November – Eden Park, Auckland
- Kiwi Ferns vs Australian Jillaroos
- Kiwis vs Tonga
Sunday 9 November – CommBank Stadium, Sydney
- Men’s and Women’s Grand Finals
Tickets go on sale via Ticketek at 12pm, Wednesday 13 August.
Early access is available for NZRL Kiwi Members and Ticketek subscribers from Thursday 7 August at 12pm.
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