England’s World Cup warm-up game with Fiji moved to Salford
England will play in their new kit in their World Cup warm-up match against Fiji, which has been moved from Rochdale to Salford.
Shaun Wane’s England side will take on Fiji at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium on Friday, October 7.
The test match had been scheduled for Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena last autumn. It was meant to be part of celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Rochdale Hornets and their historic links to Fiji, which stretch back to the 1960s when four players arrived in Lancashire.
However, the venue is no longer available this year and has now been moved to Rochdale’s neighbours Salford.
Wane said: “I said last year before the World Cup was postponed that Fiji were ideal opposition for us to get ready for the Samoa game. I’m pleased we’ve been able to rearrange the game for this year.
“They’re a very talented team who will give us a real challenge, which will be good for the players and for us as coaches.
“And as a rugby league fan it’s a game I’d be looking forward to. I hope our supporters come out and get behind us ahead of the World Cup.”
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Fiji have reached the semi-finals of the last three World Cups in 2008, 2013 and 2017. They will have several NRL stars among their ranks for this year’s tournament, including Maika Sivo, Viliame Kikau and Kevin Naiqama.
England have only previously played Fiji three times – all in World Cups – 1995, 2000 and 2013. On this occasion, they are in different groups and cannot meet until at least the quarter-finals.
New England kit
England have today unveiled the kit they will wear across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments this autumn.
England say the kit “is a novel and exciting departure” from the familiar all-white outfits worn in previous World Cups. The playing kits will feature new shirt sponsor Betfred and REIGN Total Body Fuel.
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