League: Kiwis to take on Leeds in historic clash

The Kiwis will take on English club Leeds later this year for the first time since 1992. Photo / Getty Images

The Kiwis are set to take on the Leeds Rhinos in an historic clash as part of their buildup for a three-test series against England in November.

The game at Headingly Carnegie will be the first time a Super League club has played a touring side since 2002.

The encounter will mark the 125th anniversary of Headingley Stadium, celebrating the ground's first ever game back on September 20, 1890. Fittingly, the link with New Zealand goes back to those early days with the famous All Golds touring side that arrived in England in 1907.

The match will be played almost 108 years after Leeds took on the All Golds at the ground, which also hosted rugby league's first ever test three months later.

In 11 previous contests, New Zealand has only lost to Leeds once - in 1972. They last played in 1992, but more recently the Kiwis attracted huge crowds for their 2013 World Cup wins over Papua New Guinea and Scotland at Headingley Carnegie.

"To have been granted a game against the current Four Nations champions is a huge honour and a privilege for Leeds Rhinos," said the club's chief executive, Gary Hetherington.

"Ourselves and the Kiwis have a long shared history, and this will be the chance to write a new chapter.

"Our links with New Zealand include the many great players who have played for us down the years, like Bert Cooke, Dean Bell and Ali Lauitiiti. This will be fitting way to bring down the curtain on the 2015 season and a special occasion to be at Headingley."