England to face Wales in Four Nations warm-up

England will play Wales in a warm-up international ahead of the Four Nations this autumn.

Tony Smith’s men thrashed the Welsh 74-0 at Doncaster in the build up to last year’s World Cup, and will look to repeat that success this year in the game that will take place on Saturday October 17 at Bridgend’s Brewery Field.

England kick-off the Four Nations against France a week later.

It will be Wales’ first home game against England since they lost 42-33 at Wrexham in 2001 and the first against them in south Wales since an 18-16 victory at Cardiff Arms Park in 1996.

England captain Jamie Peacock said: “Playing England can only be good for Wales in the end as it gives them a big test on the international stage.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved in rugby league right now.”

It will be Wales‘ first game since the England thrashing last autumn and comes ahead of their first European Nations Cup campaign.

Wales meet Serbia in Smederevo on Sunday, October 25, and host Ireland a week later at Sardis Road in the first international to be played in Pontypridd since England were beaten 3-2 at Taff Vale in 1936.

Mark Rowley, executive chairman of Wales Rugby League, said: “I’m delighted that a full international match will be played in my home town of Pontypridd.

“I spent many happy years at Sardis Road as a player and I know how much everyone from the valleys loves their rugby whatever the code.”

The other group in the European Cup will be contested by Scotland, Russia and Lebanon and the final will be held at the Brewery Field on Sunday, November 8.