Rugby League World Cup 2026 Kiwis

The story so far

Ahead of the 17th Rugby League World Cup, Dane Gagai was cleared to represent the Kiwis, joining teammate Kalyn Ponga in the squad.^{3, 14 Oct} Coaches Stacey Jones and Ricky Henry named the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads, with Ponga and Gagai set to debut for the Kiwis.^{6 Oct} The Kiwis lost their opener 24-22 to defending champions Australia in Sydney, and Ponga suffered a broken arm.^{13, 16 Oct} The Kiwi Ferns beat Fiji 18-12 in their opener in Newcastle after trailing for much of the game.^{17 Oct} Both teams then won big in a Christchurch double-header: the Kiwis beat the Cook Islands 82-16 and the Kiwi Ferns beat France 92-0.^{24, 25 Oct}

Latest

Ponga has had surgery on his fractured arm.^{21 Oct} Coach Stacey Jones has recalled Dane Gagai, Moses Leota, Isaiah Papali'i, Briton Nikora and Naufahu Whyte for the Kiwis' match against Fiji.^{27 Oct}

What's next

The Kiwis play Fiji in Robina on Saturday.^{27 Oct}

Key moments

1. 3 OctDane Gagai cleared to represent the Kiwis instead of Australia.
2. 6 OctKiwis and Kiwi Ferns squads named, with Ponga and Gagai to debut.
3. 13 OctAustralia beat the Kiwis 24-22 in the World Cup opener in Sydney.
4. 16 OctPonga breaks his arm and needs surgery; Kiwis still on track for semi-finals.
5. 17 OctKiwi Ferns beat Fiji 18-12, with Stacey Waaka scoring two tries on debut.
6. 24 OctKiwis beat the Cook Islands 82-16 in Christchurch.
7. 25 OctKiwi Ferns thrash France 92-0, scoring 18 tries.
8. 27 OctFive experienced players recalled for the Kiwis' match against Fiji.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.