ABC Sport's Andrew Moore and Ruan Sims commentate England v Tonga from the Big Bash TV studio

The much-anticipated England v Tonga game of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 takes place on Sunday 17 October 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 10:05 UK time. The game will be commentated by Andrew Moore and Ruan Sims, with Oliver Peterson acting as reporter. ABC Sport will broadcast the game from its studio, with the full feed available across the ABC Sport platform for anyone who wants to follow the action live.

The commentary team

Leading ABC Sport's all-star commentary team for the World Cup is Andrew Moore, who has been recovering after suffering a heart attack in the run-up to the tournament. As one of ABC Sport's principal rugby league commentators, he is once again in charge of bringing the games to viewers. Working alongside him is Ruan Sims, a former Jillaroos World Cup-winning captain who has been praised by fans as "the best female commentator." She and Andrew Moore have already been seen commentating together on NRL Monday, where Ruan Sims was noted for putting NRLW critics "on notice" with her factual approach.

The game's reporter will be Oliver Peterson, an accomplished award-winning multimedia journalist who is a self-confessed cricket fan and has commentated across the Big Bash, ABC Grandstand, National Rugby League and Rugby Union in the past. He currently presents ABC Radio Perth Drive from 3-6PM, hosts the Perth Bears podcast "Big Bears", and is a sought-after MC for corporate, sporting and charity events.

Where to watch

ABC Sport has announced it will bring viewers every game of the Men's and Women's Rugby League World Cup 2026, with Andrew Moore heading the all-star commentary team. The complete feed is available through ABC Sport's platform, allowing fans to follow the England v Tonga game in full as it develops. With kickoff set for 10:05 UK time on 17 October 2026, there is plenty of opportunity to tune in ahead of the action.

For more on the commentary team and ABC Sport's coverage of the World Cup, fans can follow the ABC Sport channel directly.

ABC Sport announces full World Cup coverage

Article generated: 16 October 2026, 10:07 GMT