Christchurch to host New Zealand v Australia in Pacific Championships doubleheader

Christchurch will host an international doubleheader as part of this year's men's and women's Pacific Championships series, NZ Rugby League has announced.

The men's side of the tri-series will feature the New Zealand Kiwis, Australia Kangaroos, and Mate Ma'a Tonga, while the Kiwi Ferns, Papua New Guinea and Jillaroos contest the women's draw.

NZRL has confirmed two of the competition's match days will take place in New Zealand, with Christchurch's Apollo Stadium to hold a doubleheader between the Kiwis, Kiwi Ferns, and rival Australian Kangaroos men's and Jillaroos women's teams on October 27.

The Kiwis will then travel north to face Tonga at Auckland's Go Media Stadium at Mt Smart on November 2.

The Kiwis haven't played a Test in Ōtautahi in five years, while the Kiwi Ferns haven't visited since 1998.

"It is a very special occasion to partner with Ōtautahi Christchurch and work with Canterbury Rugby League to take the Pacific Championships to our fans in the South Island for the first international fixtures there in five years," said NZRL chief executive Greg Peters.

"We're excited to work with Tonga to bring their rugby league heroes back to play in front of their proud community in Auckland, with the support of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited making this possible.

"International rugby league in Aotearoa creates celebrations of culture and passion that captures the hearts and minds of all sports fans, the Tests here will be unmissable."

The men's and women's grand finals will take place in Sydney on November 10.

The NZ teams will head into the competition as defending champions, having both defeated Australia in the grand finals of their respective series last year.

2024 Pacific Championships: Kiwi and Kiwi Ferns schedule

Sunday 27 October
New Zealand v Australia (men and women) at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch.
Saturday 2 November
New Zealand v Tonga (men) at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
New Zealand v Papua New Guinea (women) at Santos Stadium, Port Moresby

Sunday 10 November
Men's and women's grand final in Sydney, Australia