Shaun Wane keen for regular England games against France

Drew Darbyshire

England coach Shaun Wane says he would love to have annual fixtures against France if they could be fit into the schedule. 

France had made an approach to play England in this year’s mid-season international window, but were told that the Combined Nations All Stars match had already been agreed.

READ: France approached England for mid-season international

Wane will take charge of his first game as England boss on June 25 when they take on the All Stars at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

New French Federation president Luc Lacoste is keen to re-establish regular international matches against England, and Wane is very much open to that.

When asked if he would consider regular games against France going forward, Wane replied: “Absolutely, 100%.

“I’d love to do that annually if it can fit but I do also understand that the logistical nightmare of organising these games against the All Stars have been very, very tough with the Super League fixtures coming out.

“I know its very difficult to get those games in because the Super League season is quite congested but there’s nothing I’d love more than to go and play a game in France, that would be perfect for me.

“I played a play-off game at Millwall when I was at Wigan so I’m all for spreading the word of our great game.”

The two nations will meet in the group stages of the World Cup this autumn along with Samoa and Greece.

ALSO READ: England set to play Fiji in World Cup warm-up test

The last time England hosted France was at the Leigh Sports Village back in 2018 ahead of their three-match test series against New Zealand.

And the last time France hosted England came in 2016, with more than 14,000 people watching on in Avignon.

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