CUMBRIA’S representative team will be back in action this autumn, taking on the Nigerian national side.
A squad of players either born or based in the county will come together for the first time in two years on Sunday, November 2 (kick-off 2pm) at Barrow Raiders’ Northern Competitions Stadium.
In their last fixture in October 2023, Cumbria defeated Wales 23-4 in Whitehaven as a testimonial game for former Super League star Kyle Amor, who hails from the town.
They also beat Jamaica twelve months prior, 28-12 at Workington in a World Cup warm-up fixture, after a six-year hiatus.
Barrow coach Paul Crarey, who has led Cumbria since holding England to an 18-18 draw in 2010, will again take the reins.
Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “As we saw in 2022 and 2023, there is a clear appetite for a Cumbrian representative side.
“This area couldn’t be any more passionate about its rugby, and so being able to host an up-and-coming rugby league nation like Nigeria will allow us to enjoy a real day of celebration.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part, big or small, in making this fixture happen. As a club and community, we cannot wait for Cumbria’s return.”
The match will carry particular significance for Nigeria, whose men’s team will be playing outside Africa for the first time.
Launched in 2019, the team have played in two regional competitions, most recently retaining the Middle-East Africa Championship in Ghana in 2022.
Due to inactivity, Nigeria are currently 39th in the world rankings, although their women’s team are in contention to qualify for the 2026 World Cup through October’s World Series in Canada.
Ade Adebisi, the vice-chairman of Nigeria Rugby League, played in Cumbria for Whitehaven – scoring 32 tries in 49 appearances across the 2008 and 2009 seasons – during a career which also took him to London Broncos, Doncaster, Featherstone and London Skolars.
“As a proud British-Nigerian and former Whitehaven player, returning to Cumbria with the Nigerian national team is incredibly personal,” said Adebisi.
“This county sharpened me, challenged me and gifted me memories I still carry today.
“Years ago, I took the lessons I learned in the UK and, alongside a few passionate pioneers, helped build rugby league in Nigeria from the ground up. What started as a dream is now a growing reality.
“This match isn’t just a game. It’s a bridge between nations – a celebration of shared heritage, resilience and the power of sport to unite communities.”