In pictures: The last time Rochdale hosted an international test match

Drew Darbyshire

Fiji fans in the stands before kick off during the 2013 World Cup match at Rochdale

The last time Rochdale hosted an international rugby league fixture came in the 2013 World Cup, when a sell-out crowd saw Fiji beat Ireland.

Earlier this week, League 1 side Rochdale Hornets announced that they would host a World Cup warm-up match between England and Fiji on Friday, October 15 as part of the club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The Hornets have a rich history with Fiji, with the town of Rochdale hosting the second largest Fijian population in the UK outside of London.

In the World Cup match in 2013, Akuila Uate scored a hat-trick to help Fiji inflict a 32-14 defeat on Ireland in front of a strong crowd of 8,872 crowd at the then Spotland Stadium in Rochdale.

Speaking after the game at the time, Fiji star Kevin Naiqama said: “The people of Rochdale were great with their support and we thank them for that.”

In pictures: Fiji 32-14 Ireland at Rochdale (2013)

The Ireland team line up before kick off
The Fiji team before kick off
Fans in the stands before kick off
Ireland fans in the stands before kick off 
Fiji’s Kevin Naiqama goes over to score a try during the 2013 World Cup match at Rochdale
Fiji’s Kevin Naiqama is congratulated by his team-mates after scoring a try 
Fiji’s Kevin Naiqama is tackled by Ireland’s James Mendeika and Ben Currie (right)
Ireland’s Tyrone McCarthy is tackled by the Fiji defence
Fiji celebrate a try scored by Akuila Uate
Fiji’s Eloni Vunakece is tackled by Ireland’s Bob Beswick and Brett White (right)
A general view of the pitch before kick off at Rochdale
Ireland fans in the stands during the 2013 World Cup match
The teams walk onto the pitch before kick off during the 2013 World Cup match at Rochdale
A general view of the action between Ireland and Fiji
Fiji’s Ashton Sims is tackled by Ireland’s Ben Currie (left), Kurt Haggerty and James Hasson (right)
Ireland’s Tyrone McCarthy applauds the fans at the final whistle
The Ireland team at the final whistle
The Fiji team celebrate at the final whistle against Ireland
Fiji’s Korbin Sims celebrates with fans at the final whistle
Fiji’s Kane Evans celebrates at the final whistle

Tickets for England v Fiji at Rochdale can be purchased here.

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