Oliver Gildart replaces Sam Burgess in England squad while Luke Gale withdraws

Drew Darbyshire

Wigan centre Oliver Gildart has replaced forward Sam Burgess in England’s squad for the autumn internationals against France and New Zealand and Luke Gale is out of the side.

The 22-year-old, who was Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2017, has filled the place vacated by the withdrawal of Sam Burgess because of injury.

Gildart had been due to travel to Papua New Guinea via Brisbane next week with the England Knights squad who will play two games against the Kumuls.

His place has been taken by Salford Red Devils full-back Niall Evalds, while Knights coach Paul Anderson has also called up Warrington Wolves winger Tom Lineham as a replacement for Castlefofrd Tigers man Greg Minikin, who has withdrawn because of injury.

Luke Gale has also been forced to withdraw from the England squad due to a knee injury. A replacement for Gale will be named early next week.