International double-header confirmed for Headingley Stadium later this year

Josh McAllister
Headingley Stadium Leeds Rhinos News Images

Photo: James Heaton/News Images

England Women will play Wales Women as part of a double-header at Headingley Stadium alongside England Men against Tonga Men later this autumn. 

It will be Shaun Wane’s side’s third and final test against Tonga as part of this year’s series.

The double-header will take place on Saturday November 4, with England Men also taking on Kristian Woolf’s side at St Helens (Totally Wicked Stadium, Sunday 22 Oct) and Huddersfield (John Smith’s Stadium, Saturday 28).

The Women’s international will kick-off at midday, followed by a 2:30pm kick off in the Men’s.

England played two matches at Headingley during last autumn’s World Cups, attracting a record crowd for their opening fixture against Brazil before returning to beat Papua New Guinea and secure their semi-final place.

England Women head coach, Stuart Barrow, said: “I am really pleased that we can confirm a fixture against Wales in November. It will give the squad another opportunity to get on the pitch and represent their country in front of a home crowd.

“It’s important that we have regular international fixtures so that the squad can continue to challenge themselves and it also means that any player not currently in the England set-up knows that there is a game they can aspire to be part of.

“Cardiff Demons are a fantastic example of how successful rugby league can be in Wales and I think it is important that as a nation, we continue to support this by arranging international fixtures so that they have the opportunity test themselves as a team.”

Wales head coach, Thomas Brindle added: “We’re really looking forward to the challenge, this will be the third time we have taken on England and another chance to showcase the significant development of rugby keague in Wales since our first fixture back in 2021.

“We are an ambitious team and challenging ourselves is a key part of the development process, and playing against one of the best teams in the world is a vital step on our journey.

“Headingley is a fantastic stadium, and we’re grateful to England Rugby League and RL Commercial for asking us to compete again, as it allows us to inspire more rugby league participation across Wales and continue the rise of international rugby league.”

Another double-header confirmed

Both England sides were part of a double-header in Warrington earlier in April during the international break.

England completed a double win over France at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with both teams securing a 64-0 victory.

Leah Burke scored four of England’s 12 tries, with Shona Hoyle, Tara-Jane Stanley, Tamzin Renouf, Eboni Partington, Hollie-Mae Dodd, Sinead Peach and Amy Hardcastle also scoring in the victory.

Wane’s side, led by newly appointed captain George Williams, crossed for 11 tries, with the Warrington half-back completing a hat-trick alongside Leeds winger Ash Handley.

13 players made their England debuts on that day, with Tonga up next later this year.

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