Bradford Northern finished on top of the First Division table to claim their second championship, and Hull Kingston Rovers won the Rugby League Premiership competition.

The 1980–81 State Express Challenge Cup was won by Widnes after defeating Hull Kingston Rovers 18–9 in the final.

Warrington won the John Player Trophy for the third time in their history, beating Barrow 12–5 at Central Park, Wigan.

Other than the three test series against Great Britain, The Kiwis played matches club and county sides.

Scrum half Gordon Smith (who would join Hull Kingston Rovers in 1982) was the tours leading point scorer with 33 from 1 try and 15 goals.