Samoa will host a historic Test match against Fiji in Apia on October 8 – Samoa’s first official Test match on home soil.

The announcement was made today by ARLC Chairman and RLIF Deputy Chairman John Grant, alongside Rugby League Samoa Chairman and Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation Chairman Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a, and the Fiji Rugby League Chairman Filimoni Vosarogo.

Along with supporting the match financially, the NRL will also provide one of its leading NRL referees along with senior staff and management.

Mr Grant said it was a fitting way for Samoa to celebrate 30 years of Rugby League in the country.

“The Pacific is a region we will continue to support,” Mr Grant said.

“Our League Bilong Laif program in PNG and the Pacific Outreach Program in Samoa, Fiji and Tonga have been enormously successful, and are now delivered by 50 full and part time staff across PNG, Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.

“Today’s Pacific Double Header showcases the talent in the region and the fact that Samoa will now host a Rugby League Test will continue to grow the game.”

Rugby League Samoa Chairman Tagaloa Faafouina Su’a said he was delighted to celebrate 30 years of Rugby League in Samoa by hosting a Test match.

“We have come a long way in 30 years,” he said.

“I’d like to thank our patron, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi, and his Government, for their ongoing support.

“With the Pacific Outreach Program now embedded in our schools, and now a Test match in Samoa to look forward to, the game will continue to grow.”