Solomon Islands will host its first ever rugby league test when they host Vanuatu in Honiara in October.
It will be the third test between the Melanesian neighbours, with Vanuatu victorious in the inaugural clash in Mackay in 2013 and in Port Vila last year.
Vanuatu and Solomon Islands pose for a photo following the 2016 test in Port Vila. Photo: Supplied / Ron Zwiers / Vanuatu Rugby League
Solomon Islands Rugby League President Jerry Tengemoana said they appreciate Vanuatu agreeing to visit the Solomon Islands so they can showcase test match rugby league to the country.
"Following participating in the 2015 Pacific Games and Test Match against Vanuatu last year, this will continue the momentum of the game both internationally and raise the profile significantly domestically."
Vanuatu Rugby League President Tom Carlo said four of their previous five Test Matches have been played in Vanuatu, after they made a commitment and investment to promote the game locally, and they look forward to helping Solomon Islands in the same endeavour.
"Those two teams have basically this sort of rivalry and they pretty much had it out on the field very good the past two games and I'm pretty sure Solomon Islands are actually looking forward to this big match," he said.
"Until recently we have had our domestic league going on and we are looking forward to this big match ahead of us and obviously the boys can't wait to be out on the field."
Vanuatu is currently ranked 37th and Solomon Islands 40th in the latest world rankings.
The test match in Honiara will be held on 21 October, a week before the Rugby League World Cup kicks off in Melbourne, featuring the top 14 nations in the world.
