The 1989 New Zealand rugby league tour was a series of matches played between October and December by the New Zealand national rugby league team in England and France. The team lost a series 1âÂÂ2 against Great Britain but defeated France 2âÂÂ0.
New Zealand last toured Great Britain in 1985.
Earlier in 1989, New Zealand lost all three Tests at home to Australia on the 1989 Kangaroo tour.
A 26-man touring squad was selected in September 1989, with Hugh McGahan named as captain, and Gary Freeman as vice-captain. Tony Gordon was the coach, while Ian Jenkins and Tom McKeown were appointed as tour managers.
Dean Bell (Wigan) and Kurt Sorensen (Widnes) were not included in the touring squad, but could still be selected for the Tests against Great Britain and France.
James Goulding and Tea Ropati were injured during the tour, and were replaced by George Mann and David Ewe. Ewe was later sent home early from the tour due to misconduct.
The tourists were the first New Zealand team to lose a series in Great Britain since 1965.
Following the conclusion of the tour, many players in the squad signed contracts with English clubs.