ROCHDALE Hornets will host England's World Cup warm-up game against Fiji in October as part of the club's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Shaun Wane's England side will face Fiji at Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena on October 15, eight days before their World Cup opener against Samoa at St James' Park.

Rochdale Hornets chief executive Steve Kerr said: "We're delighted to announce our flagship event as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations.

"To welcome Fiji back to Rochdale and continue our cultural links with the island nation is an absolute privilege and honour."

Rochdale has a rich history with Fiji, with the town hosting the second largest Fijian population in the UK outside London.

Orisi Dawai and Josefa Levula became the first Fijian players to appear in England when they joined Rochdale in the early 1960s.

England head coach Shaun Wane added: "This fixture will be a vital part of our preparations for the World Cup, and I'd like to thank Rochdale Hornets and the Fiji National Rugby League for making this happen.

"The Bati are a very talented side individually and collectively, and I wish them well at RLWC2021."