Luke Burgess called up to replace suspended Graham

England have drafted South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Luke Burgess into their squad for the 2012 Autumn International Series against France and Wales.

Burgess, the former Leeds Rhinos forward, has been called up following the 12-match suspension imposed by the Australian Rugby League Commission on Canterbury Bulldogs prop James Graham for a biting offence in last Saturday’s NRL Grand Final.

Graham’s ban includes up to three matches in the forthcoming Autumn International Series.

Burgess, who earns his first-ever senior call-up, will join the rest of the squad on Wednesday October 10 at the team’s training base in Potchefstroom, South Africa before travelling back to the United Kingdom for the Autumn International Series.

England’s opening match in the Autumn International Series will see them face Wales at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Saturday October 27 (2.30pm).

Their first ‘home’ fixture takes place a week later, Saturday November 3, at MS3 Craven Park in Hull when England host France in a match which also kicks off at 2.30pm.

The Autumn International Series concludes with the final at Salford City Stadium on Sunday November 11 (5.00pm).

Tickets for the 2012 Autumn International Series cost just £12 for adults and £6 concessions and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk