Undercooked England will not play for a year until Rugby League World Cup

The Guardian – SportTuesday, November 25, 2025 at 12:17:46 PM
NegativeSports
Undercooked England will not play for a year until Rugby League World Cup
  • England's rugby league team will not play any fixtures for nearly a year leading up to the Rugby League World Cup, as the 2026 Super League schedule does not allow for a mid-season international break. This decision follows a disappointing performance against Australia in the Ashes series, where the team faced a whitewash defeat.
  • The lack of competitive matches raises concerns about the team's preparedness and ability to compete effectively against top teams like Australia, as coach Shaun Wane emphasizes the need for more opportunities for the national squad.
  • This situation reflects broader challenges faced by English sports teams, particularly in rugby and cricket, where recent performances have been under scrutiny. The contrasting successes of England's rugby union team under coach Steve Borthwick highlight a disparity in outcomes, suggesting a need for strategic changes in the rugby league to enhance competitiveness.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
England seek new head coach for Rugby League World Cup after Shaun Wane quits
NegativeSports
Shaun Wane has resigned as head coach of the England rugby league team, leaving the national squad in search of a new leader ahead of the Rugby League World Cup later this year. Wane's departure follows a disappointing 3-0 Ashes series defeat to Australia, despite his initial intention to continue rebuilding the team.
England’s T20 World Cup plans hit by Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed visa delays
NegativeSports
England's preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have been disrupted due to visa delays for spinners Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, both of whom have Pakistani heritage. The Indian government has yet to issue their visas, making it unlikely that they will travel with the rest of the squad for warm-up matches in Sri Lanka this weekend.
WTA roundup: Venus Williams falls in Aussie Open tuneup
NegativeSports
In a disappointing start to the Hobart International, sixth-seeded Tatjana Maria defeated tennis veteran Venus Williams with a score of 6-4, 6-3 in the first round. This match marks a challenging moment for Williams as she prepares for the upcoming Australian Open.

Ready to build your own newsroom?

Subscribe to unlock a personalised feed, podcasts, newsletters, and notifications tailored to the topics you actually care about