Rugby legends return to Eden Park: The Classics v Pasifika Legends confirmed as curtain-raiser to Samoa v Scotland on 18 July

New Zealand’s national stadium, Eden Park is set to host two thrilling rugby games with the announcement of a high-profile curtain-raiser match featuring The Classics v Pasifika Legends, ahead of the Barfoot & Thompson International Test between Samoa and Scotland on Friday 18 July.

Kicking off at 5:15PM, the 60-minute showdown will bring some of the game’s most recognisable names back to the hallowed turf, including John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, and Stephen Donald, who will coach The Classics for this special fixture.

“Bringing these legends back to Eden Park, where they’ve delivered so many unforgettable moments, is a privilege and a perfect way to open what promises to be a blockbuster night of rugby,” said Nick Sautner, CEO of Eden Park.

“Rugby has a unique ability to bring people together, and this double-header is an opportunity to showcase that at New Zealand’s home of rugby,” said Sautner. “It’s about more than just the game, this is about giving fans a memorable experience, supporting our community, and reinforcing Auckland as a destination for major events.”

John Afoa and Charlie Faumuina, both World Cup-winning All Blacks and seasoned Eden Park warriors, will be donning the black jersey once more as part of The Classics, a side originally formed 38 years ago by the former All Black, Andy Haden to keep players connected to the game and their communities.

Joining them on the sidelines is Stephen Donald, better known to fans as “Beaver” – a name etched into New Zealand history. In 2011, he was famously called up to the All Blacks squad while out whitebaiting on the Waikato River, and went on to kick the match-winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup Final at Eden Park.

The Classics will face off against the Pasifika Legends, a team of former Pacific internationals who are part of a powerful new movement, Legends Rise, a collaboration between Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) and South Seas Healthcare Trust, focused on tackling the silent crisis of men’s health in Pacific communities.

The curtain-raiser will feature:

• Four 15-minute quarters of dynamic, crowd-pleasing rugby
• Appearances by international legends from New Zealand and the Pacific
• Fan activations and ambassador-led community engagement
• A portion of proceeds supporting grassroots men’s health initiatives

Tickets for the full match-day experience, featuring the curtain-raiser and the Manu Samoa v Scotland Test match, are on sale now at ticketek.co.nz.