England to take on France

England will warm-up for their test series against New Zealand this autumn by taking on France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since the World Cup quarter-final at the DW Stadium in 2013.

Coach Steve McNamara said: “Games like these are extremely important and give us the opportunity to go through our plans before meeting New Zealand.

“Playing the French has a special place in my heart as they were the first side I faced when I was appointed England coach back in 2010 which was also at Leigh Sports Village so this will bring back some memories for me.

“We won’t be treating this as a friendly. France are a strong side and have some very talented players competing in Super League on a weekly basis so the squad will be looking to impress ahead of that first game against the Kiwis.”

England start their three-match series against the Kiwis at the KC Stadium in Hull on Sunday November 1.

Tickets for England v France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2.00pm) cost from as little as £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £22.50 for a family ticket. Please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.

The England vs New Zealand autumn international series kicks off at the KC Stadium in Hull on Sunday November 1 (5.00pm) before attention turns to the former Olympic Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on Saturday November 7 (2.30pm). The series concludes at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm).

Tickets to autumn international series cost from £22 for adults and £10 for concessions per game.  A three-match package costing just £45 for adults and £22.50 for concessions is also available. To purchase tickets please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.