Dubbed the ‘Pasifika Challenge’ due to its showcasing of Pacific Island rugby, the action in Auckland begins with Wales versus Tonga at 17:30 (local time), followed by the All Blacks’ British and Irish Lions warm-up match against Samoa at 20:00.
“It’s a great honour for us as a nation to be taking part in the Pasifika Challenge,” said Wales head coach Robin McBryde, who names his squad for the tour at midday tomorrow (Tuesday 9th). “We have a huge amount of respect for rugby’s Pacific heritage, so to be able to compete in a double-header celebrating that is very special. It should be a fantastic occasion.”
Auckland is home to the world’s largest Pacific Island population, which suggests the world-famous Eden Park could become a home from home for Tonga and Samoa for what the New Zealand Rugby organisers describe as “an unprecedented double-header.”
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: “Along with Tonga and Wales it’s going to be a wonderful evening where you’ve got Pasifika rugby on show and Welsh rugby and New Zealand rugby. It allows us to fill a need for ourselves as we need a game to prepare for the Lions and also give something back to Pasifika rugby.”
The double-header will also provide Wales with an opportunity to observe the second opponents of their two-Test tour, with McBryde’s men flying to Apia to take on Samoa a week later on Friday 23rd June (19:30, local time). The Welsh Rugby Union will make an announcement soon regarding the broadcast details of this match.
Tickets for the Pasifika Challenge, which will air live on Sky Sports, go on general sale via Ticketmaster NZ on Monday 15th May.
