Wales Masters to face New Zealand for first time in Widnes
Wales Masters will meet New Zealand for the first time on Saturday 31 October at Widnes RUFC, with a 1pm GMT kick-off, Wales Rugby League has announced. The fixture is in the Masters version of rugby league, a modified social format for men aged 35 and over and women aged 30 and over. It is separate from competitive senior international rugby league.
Wales Masters v New Zealand
- Date and start
- 31 October, 1pm GMT
- Venue
- Widnes RUFC, Heath Road
- Format
- Non-competitive Masters
A different kind of international
Masters has no league standings or winners. Wales Rugby League says matches officially finish 0–0, although individual try scorers are recorded. The training squad includes former Wales men’s internationals Christiaan Roets, David Mills and Owain Brown. Players from the newly formed Barry Bombers and Wrexham Legends Masters sides are also included. The announcement names a squad preparing for the match, rather than a final match-day line-up.
Where it is being played
The venue is Widnes RUFC on Heath Road, Widnes, WA8 7NU. The announcement does not set out admission prices or ticket arrangements. Anyone interested in joining a Masters side or starting a team can contact the programme at masters@walesrugbyleague.co.uk, the public address supplied by Wales Rugby League.
Background and supporting figures
Where this sits
First meeting is Masters-specific, not the first Wales–New Zealand senior rugby league match.
The venue is Widnes RUFC; Masters format records no competitive winner.