England to Play Tonga in November

The RFU has confirmed that England Senior Men will play Tonga at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 6 November (3:15pm KO).

The game is one of a trio of Test matches that Eddie Jones’ side will host this autumn. Australia will be the following Test, on Saturday 13 November (5:30pm KO) before world champions South Africa make up the final game on Saturday 20 November (3:15pm KO).

England last faced Tonga at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, winning 35-3 in the group stages.

"This match will continue our rivalry from the World Cup where we had a good, tough game against them," said England Head Coach Eddie Jones.

"They produce a lot of good players and play physical, exciting rugby. It’s a great way to start our autumn internationals.

"This summer it was great to be back playing in front of supporters at Twickenham, the difference it made to the players was enormous. 

"With the young squad we had in July, the 13 players who joined up with the Lions and the others who have spent the summer regenerating, we know that it will be a strong, competitive group of players this autumn and it should make for some really exciting Test matches for our supporters."

In a statement, RFU added" "In addition to a good will gesture of a donation for the Tonga game, the RFU is working with World Rugby and Tonga Rugby to make coaching and other resource personnel available to Tonga, which they hope will have a dual benefit of providing support to the Tongan team while also offering some good experience for the resource personnel involved. It’s hoped that the reciprocal benefit will extend beyond the tour with some support staff and programme assistance in Tonga, once the pandemic allows. This is in addition to the high performance financial support provided by World Rugby."