Vanuatu Rugby League is set to host Singapore’s men’s and women’s rugby league teams in early June this year, giving local players the opportunity to test their skills in an international friendly match on home ground.

Preparations are already underway to accommodate a large travelling party from Singapore after confirmation was received on the number of players and officials making the trip.

Vice President of Vanuatu Rugby League, David Lolo, confirmed the visit and said this will mark the second time this year that an overseas team has toured Vanuatu, following the recent visit by the New South Wales Indigenous Under-17 boys team from Australia.

“Recently after the successful hosting of the New South Wales Indigenous boys, we have been in contact with Dane Campbell, founder of Singapore Rugby League. We have committed to hosting Singapore men’s and women’s rugby league teams in Port Vila in early June,” Lolo said.

He explained that the Singapore men’s team will travel with a full 13-a-side squad of around 26 players, along with coaches and managers, while the women’s squad is expected to include approximately 16 to 18 players and officials.

In preparation for the international fixtures, Vanuatu Rugby League plans to host several local competitions, including men’s, women’s, and youth nines tournaments to help select and train squads ahead of the Singapore matches.

“Looking to host a couple of nines events for both men and women and youth, and on the back of that we will train our squads in preparation for the Singapore exchange. That will involve player registration and structured training programmes to prepare ourselves for June,” Lolo added.

The matches are expected to take place at Korman Stadium, Port Vila’s main sporting venue.