The first – and winning – try at the former Olympic Stadium was scored by Jason Robinson OBE, the former England and Great Britain Rugby League wing who came out of retirement to grab the historic touchdown.

Jason was visiting the 54,000-seater stadium with Kiwi legend Robbie Hunter-Paul on a fact-finding mission and both were roped in to play an impromptu game with the site’s construction personnel.

Touring the construction site that will host the autumn international between England and New Zealand on Saturday November 7, Robinson and Hunter-Paul were coerced into competing after an excited group of workers from Balfour Beatty persuaded the duo to ditch their ambassador duties for an unofficial ‘friendly’.

The 20-minute display eventually ended when England scored the winning try, cementing history as the first points to be scored at the venue. Fittingly, it was a trademark finish from Jason ‘Billy Whizz’ Robinson that broke the deadlock with the ex-Wigan and Sale star producing one of his iconic solo efforts at electric pace.

The England vs New Zealand autumn international series kicks off at the KC Stadium in Hull on Sunday November 1 (5.00pm) before attention turns to the former Olympic Stadium the on Saturday November 7 (2.30pm). The series concludes at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm).

Fans have until midnight on St George’s Day – Thursday April 23 – to take advantage of a special early bird discount on tickets for all three internationals. Early bird prices are £40, £30, £25 and £20 for adults and £15, £12.50 and £10 for concessions.  
87A three-match package costing just £45 for adults and £22.50 for concessions is also available. 

To purchase tickets, please follow the link below.