Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi rugby team is set to play England at Twickenham on November 6.

The match against Tonga is the first of a trio of test matches hosted by England, including against Australia and World Champions South Africa.

The last time Tonga faced England was in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, losing 35-3 in the group stage.

Head Coach Toutai Kefu said “we are always looking to measure ourselves against the best.”

“This is yet another step in re-building the 'Ikale Tahi for 2023 and onto 2027.”

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

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

The governing body for rugby union in England, Rugby Football Union (RFU), will also make a donation to Tonga Rugby, as a good will gesture.

In addition, the RFU is working with World Rugby and Tonga Rugby Union to make coaching and other resource personnel available to Tonga, which they hope will have dual benefit of providing support to the Tongan team while also offering some good experience for the resource personnel involved.

England Rugby said that the reciprocal benefit will extend beyond the tour with some support staff and programmes assistance in Tonga, once the pandemic allows.

This partnership will assist developing all aspects of rugby in the Kingdom.

Tonga Rugby Union CEO Peter Harding said along with the MOU with the Bay of Plenty, these are the quality partnerships we seek to form to assist all aspects of our development.

The MOU between the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Tonga Rugby Union signed earlier this month is to exchange ideas, coaches, and players.

'Ikale Tahi has played three test matches so far this year, against the All Blacks losing 102-0, and twice against Samoa for the 2023 World Cup qualifier going down 42-13, and 37-15, earlier this month in New Zealand.

More games

Meanwhile, Toutai confirmed to Matangi Tonga this afternoon there are more games planned for the 'Ikale Tahi in Europe.

"At this stage we’re looking at having 3 / 4 games. Not exactly sure of the dates," he said.

"French Barbarians, Scotland, and Romania at this stage seem the likely games."