BBC Sport to broadcast five England international fixtures, including end-of-year Tonga series
Dom Young of England celebrates his try with Jack Welsby of England during the Rugby League World Cup 2021 against France. Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images.
BBC Sport have confirmed their coverage of five England international fixtures later this year, including the end-of-season series against Tonga.
Shaun Wane’s side will return to action on home soil just eight days after the Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
It is a first-ever series between England and Tonga, and the first meeting since the dramatic World Cup semi final in 2017 Down Under.
The action gets underway at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Sunday October 22, with fixtures also heading to Huddersfield and Leeds.
The double-header at Headingley Stadium will also be broadcast live by the BBC, with England Women facing Wales at midday, live on BBC Two.
BBC Sport will also broadcast the repeat of last year’s unforgettable Wheelchair Final between England and France, with a new fixture confirmed.
Tom Halliwell’s World Cup winners will return to action this November for the first time since their dramatic 28-24 triumph at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
It will see three England teams in action in Leeds on a single day on Saturday, November 4.
Autumn internationals
Sunday October 22: England v Tonga, first Test at Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens – 230pm, BBC 1
Saturday October 28: England v Tonga, second Test at John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield – 230pm, BBC 1
Saturday November 4: England Women v Wales, Headingley Stadium, Leeds – midday, BBC 2
Saturday November 4: England v Tonga, third Test at Headingley Stadium, Leeds – 230pm, BBC 1
Sunday November 5: England Wheelchair v France, First Direct Arena, Leeds – 315pm, BBC 2
Rhodri Jones on BBC’s coverage of England internationals
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of Rugby League Commercial, said: “We are delighted to confirm both that the England Wheelchair team will return to action on November 5 with a rematch against France at the first direct Arena, and that BBC Sport will provide coverage to the nation of all five of our home England internationals this autumn.
“Last year’s World Cup was such a positive event for the sport, with huge support for our three England teams as they won 10 games out of 10 to reach the Semi Finals of the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions, and the Wheelchair team going on to be crowned world champions on a truly memorable night in Manchester.
“BBC Sport’s coverage ensured that the success of all three teams was celebrated by the widest possible audience, and now we can look forward to a repeat in 2023.
“It was so important for us for our England teams to play at home again this autumn. We are thrilled to be welcoming Kristian Woolf and his Tonga team for an historic three-Test series, and equally excited that Jodie Cunningham will lead England Women against Wales in the first part of a double-header at Headingley on November 4.
“With confirmation of a first Wheelchair Rugby League International in the superb facilities of the first direct Arena the following day, it promises to be a memorable weekend of Rugby League in Leeds – we are grateful to Leeds City Council for their support, and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver that.”