‘I hope IMG take note!’ Frustration over England withdrawals as RFL chairman defends ‘legitimate’ injuries

James Gordon
England George Williams

Photos: SWPix

It’s fair to say the response to a relatively successful World Cup on these shores hasn’t been how we would all have liked.

We’re still awaiting confirmation of an autumn test series in 2023, hopefully against Tonga, though there remain doubts over it happening whatsoever.

The positive of securing a mid-season international during a break in the Super League season was soon shot down by fans unhappy with the choice of opposition (France) and venue (Warrington).

While those two things are perhaps clutching at straws in terms of criticism, they have been exacerbated by the withdrawal of several players from both England and France teams.

It goes without saying that France need to play England more to try and become more competitive.

But when it comes to it being a full England international, the squad is some way short of anything near a full-strength side.

Even before Shaun Wane started receiving withdrawals and picking up injuries, he’s already not playing his full-strength side as there are no NRL-based players in the line-up – which would surely make up a third of his squad.

Are the withdrawals genuine?

Of the 40-man, Super League-based squad Wane named, just 19 remain – 13 of which come from Warrington and Wigan’s first team squads.

After being questioned about the withdrawals on Twitter, RFL chairman Simon Johnson wrote: “If the England coach is happy, then I am happy. He has the squad he wanted and has only lost a handful of players to injury.

“The England medical team have confirmed that all the injuries were genuine and legitimate. So no issue from my perspective.”

Many fans aren’t convinced though, and will no doubt have a close eye on who lines up for their respective club sides the following week. Champions St Helens had eight players named in the initial squad, but only one – Jack Welsby – will line-up for Wane.

But Tommy Makinson, Mark Percival and Alex Walmsley have all sat out recent Saints games, Morgan Knowles is banned and Matty Lees has been putting in Herculean shifts to cover for their missing men.

While the fans aren’t happy, perhaps Wane has taken a practical approach to the mid-season game when it comes to dealing with club coaches – especially if he wants to ensure players are available for the autumn test series.

It’s one thing sitting out a mid-season match with France, it’s another missing a test series or a World Cup, as we saw at the end of last season.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has been battling with injuries throughout the season, and given his side contributes a significant number to the France national team, it was almost inevitable that they were going to be asking for withdrawals.

None of their England candidates – Tom Johnstone, Tom Davies and Mike McMeeken – are included, while many of their French big hitters also sit out, notably captain Ben Garcia.

It’s tough for the Dragons, who France effectively rely upon, and them playing a weakened side is far from ideal ahead of a home World Cup in 2025.

There’s also the gulf between the two nations – which would have made a weakened England squad taking on a full-strength France a more competitive, and perhaps more enjoyable game.

Why are there no other international matches?

It’s a blank weekend for all of professional rugby league in the UK, yet there are only two games replacing that – the England and France double header involving the respective men’s and women’s sides.

There is nothing arranged for the other home nations, with many club players and staff taking the opportunity to have a break mid-season.

Former Wales Rugby League chief Gareth Kear tweeted: “For Rugby League to be a truly global game it has to take the International game seriously and grow it. After fighting for an international break why aren’t the other home nations playing games?

“Also if England are playing then pick the best England team! I hope IMG take note!”

It emphasises the ongoing struggle facing international rugby league. With respective governing bodies virtually living hand to mouth, and no real prospect of significant commercial deals coming in to force, they have little bargaining power with the Super League clubs that pay the wages of their stars.

Wales did play France in mid-season last year, though with France tied up playing England, it’s hard to see just who would have the wherewithal to play Wales.

The likes of Ireland, Jamaica and Scotland don’t have the backing to secure the venues and ticket numbers required for it to be sustainable, and they would be left very vulnerable if there is even a fraction of the withdrawals that England and France have faced.

There’s also the increasingly black cloud of insurance, which has left even the domestic competition on eggshells. Premiums are through the roof amidst the legal action being taken by former players alleging that the RFL did not protect them sufficiently from head contact and the subsequent ill-effects.

The good news is though, that the schedule for the European Championships at the end of the year is close to being confirmed – a genuine international series to look forward to.

MORE: Schedule announced for European Championship, including England

How fans have reacted to the international withdrawals

For the international game to work, fans need to get behind it. Unfortunately, the withdrawals have given plenty a reason to question the wisdom of buying tickets and tuning in.

Edgar Wrigley: “Do the other nations e.g. Wales have enough money to hire a venue, pay insurance, pay players etc? Do the other nations have the political clout to make sure enough players are released by the clubs? Both England and France are struggling.”

No Helmets Required: “The England squad tells you exactly why no one else is playing: all the pros would pull out! And domestic XIII internationals need to be played midway through their season which is only just starting.”

Martin: “Why are we staging a test match now? I get why Australian and NZ would but for Britain and France it just feels odd. Better to do something mid-July around the Fete Nationale in France etc.”

Mark: “Let’s be honest, it’s a pointless friendly that runs the risk of injuries. Only possible way, is if we free up 3-4 weeks in the calendar and have some sort of nations tournament.”

Baynes: “I think there’s a good chance of mass withdrawals of fans too. Do we’ll to top 4k this one, and who can blame them.”

Andy Preston: “The cost of promoting and staging this double header will far exceed receipts. If I had bought a ticket, I’d be looking at the refund policy. May not even bother watching this on sky now. RLWC21 just papered over the cracks.”

FletcherEnder: “If the had anything about them they’d ban players from playing in the next club game, who withdraw. Show some respect to the paying supporters, before they’re no longer there.”

Jason Norton: “IMG take note of which clubs are and are not supporting the International game.”

But on the flip side, it’s still a international rugby league match between England and France teams featuring young players, who may become stars in their own right.

With that in mind, the final word can go to sometimes-freelance Love Rugby League writer Steven Brady, better known as @catalanmedia on Twitter.

He wrote: “It’s hilarious seeing the usual media drama queens generating faux outrage at the withdrawal of some players before Saturday’s England v France clash. Is it paranoia or just an inferiority complex because I’ve never known a sport so hell-bent on self-flagellation. Grow up.”

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