The first-ever rugby league fixture at the 54,000-capacity venue is set to take place on November 7, sandwiched between the series opener at Hull FC's KC Stadium on November 1, and the final Test at Wigan's DW Stadium on November 14.

"The Olympic Stadium provided the backdrop to some truly most memorable action at London 2012 and it is simply fantastic that we have reached an agreement for England to play New Zealand there in November," said Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood.

"The world's best rugby league players deserve to play on the biggest stages and our supporters deserve the opportunity watch rugby league in the best venues.

"The Kiwis are our oldest rivals on the international stage and the match at Olympic Stadium will provide one of the highlights of a historic year for the sport as we celebrate our 120-year anniversary in 2015."

On their last visit to London, New Zealand beat England 20-18 in the 2013 World Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium with Shaun Johnson's last-minute try proving decisive. 

November's Test series marks England's first appearance on home soil since the encounter, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest internationals in recent history.

New Zealand beat England 20-18 in the semi-finals of the 2013 World Cup at Wembley Stadium ©Getty Images



"Two years have elapsed since we last hosted New Zealand and I am sure that everyone who witnessed that memorable semi-final at Wembley Stadium will be looking forward to experiencing a re-match at Olympic Stadium," added Wood.

"Hull and Wigan have long and proud traditions as international rugby league venues and the matches at KC Stadium and DW Stadium will be terrific occasions played out in front of bumper crowds."

New Zealand claimed the 2014 Four Nations title as joint-hosts last autumn, beating England 16-14 in another exhilarating encounter in Dunedin before going on to stun co-hosts Australia in the final.

"The schedule for the Kiwi series is very exciting and it is fantastic that we have this opportunity to play an historic international at an iconic venue like the Olympic Stadium," said England coach, Steve McNamara.

"Playing New Zealand always brings out the best in the England players and the chance to be involved in the match at Olympic Stadium will provide additional incentive for everyone."

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney, who visited the Olympic Stadium last week, added: "I'm really excited that my players have the chance to play in the inaugural rugby league game at such an outstanding venue.

"If we can fill it full of English fans and get it full of noise, it will be a wonderful occasion.

"In our last two performances against England, there has been nothing between the two sides and I imagine this series will be no different."

The Olympic Stadium, which is set to stage five matches of this year's rugby union World Cup, is currently closed as work continues to transform it into the new national competition centre for British Athletics and the permanent home of Premier League football club West Ham United from 2016.

The venue on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park was touted as a potential host of the 2013 World Cup final before Old Trafford in Manchester was awarded the right. 

Tickets for all three Test series matches will go on general sale on March 11.

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