Bucket list: Proud Kiwis pumped for Christchurch double-header

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns players are excited about the chance to compete in a double-header at Christchurch's new indoor stadium during the upcoming IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The Kiwis will kick off their World Cup journey with a highly anticipated match against Australia at Allianz Stadium on October 15, while the Kiwi Ferns are set to face Fiji Bulikula at Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18.

After their opening matches, both teams will return to New Zealand to play their Round 2 games on Sunday, October 25, at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which is slated to open in April.

In this new 30,000-seat roofed venue, the Kiwis will compete against the Cook Islands, and the Kiwi Ferns will take on France. This marks a novel experience for many of the players.

Recent games in Christchurch featuring the Kiwis or Warriors, including a Test double-header against Australia in 2024, have drawn full crowds at the 17,000-seat Apollo Projects Stadium.