The forthcoming England RL’s test match against France has encountered difficulties in attracting a significant audience. The days of attracting tens of thousands of fans for annual Ashes events are long gone, with this year’s schedule only featuring a single mid-season game for England – taking on France.
In previous encounters, England emerged triumphant, securing 64-0 victories in both men’s and women’s games against France. However, this year, despite the return of notable players such as Ash Handley and George Williams, the squad appears to be a secondary selection. Shaun Wane, the coach, has indicated that the team is focused on the future.
Regrettably, the matches face scheduling conflicts that could impact their visibility. The game will not be televised on mainstream platforms such as the BBC or Sky Sports, but rather on SuperLeague+, a subscription-based service. In addition, the match coincides with the UEFA European Championship, where Switzerland will face Italy – a game broadcasted on free-to-air, easily accessible channels like BBC and ITV.
The clash with such a significant event as the European Championship may lead many fans to opt for the football game instead. Moreover, following the England-France game, another major football fixture featuring Germany and Denmark is scheduled to take place.
Looking ahead, the series against Tonga, set for autumn in Wigan and Leeds, will hopefully be managed more effectively to avoid similar scheduling conflicts.
Amidst the scheduling concerns, there is some exclusive news that has generated interest. George Burgess, a prominent rugby league player, has made a surprising return to the sport. Additionally, Salford Red Devils have confirmed the departure of a player linked with a transfer, adding another layer of intrigue to the rugby league scene.
In other developments, new Wakefield Trinity signing Cam Scott has addressed criticism of his departure from Hull FC on social media, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the sport.
Furthermore, Chris Kendall, a referee, has spoken about the impact of social media abuse on sports officials, offering a different perspective on the challenges faced in the league.
Paul Rowley, the head coach of Salford Red Devils, has also garnered attention, revealing the resource challenges his team has overcome to compete with the big names in Super League.
As the England squad prepares to take on France in Toulouse, the anticipation continues to build. With the match fast approaching, it remains to be seen how the scheduling clash and the influx of new developments will impact the sport and its audience.