RL News: England whitewash France, RFL back new concussion guidelines and International Rugby League finances revealed

Below is a round-up of all the latest news from the world of rugby league over the last 24 hours.

England confirm Tongan Test Series

It’s been rumoured for a while but without confirmation there were fears it wouldn’t happen. That’s now changed with confirmation England will host a three match series against Tonga at the end of the year.

RFL President backs team for Super League

Sir Lindsay Hoyle is an MP and serves as Speaker of the House but he’s a hugely passionate rugby league fan, and also RFL President. Speaking with BBC 5 Live he’s expressed Super League’s need for one specific club. He’s also raised a huge concern for the sport as well with something he worries about.

England impress against France

England hosted France at the Halliwell Jones today in the first game of George Williams’ captaincy and the skipper put on a show at his home ground. Shaun Wane picked 13 debutants with one of those players scoring an impressive hattrick, therefore ranking highly on the player ratings. That impressive win also saw an impressive attendance.

Amazing MND news

MND and rugby league have sadly become synonymous with each other due to the fight that Rob Burrow is currently undergoing. That link has been exemplified by the brilliant England shirt, something Shaun Wane has spoken on. More positive news for Burrow and fellow MND fighters is that the MND Association have been able to convene a taskforce and will potentially be able to try new emerging treatments.

Super League sides miss out on NRL star

Kyle Flanagan has previously been rumoured to head to Super League and after being dropped by his NRL side there were links once again. That prompted the potential of an England switch but per reports down under he’ll make an immediate move to link up with his father at Manly Sea Eagles.

Tony Smith raises huge academy question

Former England boss Tony Smith spoke today ahead of the England France clash and raised a very interesting point. He’s queried why Super League clubs without an academy would sign any overseas players, rather than pumping that money into youth development.

International Rugby League finances revealed

The finances for the previous year have been revealed by International Rugby League as part of their yearly report in which they detail everything. Viewing figures for the World Cup were particular highlights per the report but the financials sadly aren’t as impressive.

Ex-SL man ‘more skilful’ than any in NRL per teammate

Greg Eden went to the NRL early in his career and spent two years under the tutelage of Wayne Bennett and no doubt played with some of the competition’s best. Despite that he’s claimed that one of his Castleford Tigers’ teammates had a better skill set than any he’d seen before.

Welsby tips England squad to beat Aussies

Jack Welsbsy looks to be the full-back of the present and the future for England given Sam Tomkins imminent retirement. The Saints full-back has been excellent the past few years and was one of just four capped players that featured today. His confidence and belief in the side is on a huge scale though as he’s claimed England have “got the squad to beat Australia”.

Wembley omit Rugby League from celebrations

Fans have been in uproar over a post from Wembley stadium which is currently celebrating 100 years. Despite the Challenge Cup Final being held at the national stadium a whopping 94 times and some of the sport’s most iconic moments’ happening there, rugby league didn’t feature in their post. That’s caused a major fan reaction.

RFL backs new concussion guidelines

The RFL and sport in general are constantly trying to protect players and make the sport safer and the most recent development with this has seen them back new concussion guidelines. Those guidelines have been developed by an expert panel and will aim to protect people of all ages.

2024 Test Series in the pipeline

With the confirmation of England hosting a three-match Test series against Tonga at the end of the year, it seems like an international calendar is starting to form. As yet nothing is confirmed for 2024 but Serious About Rugby League understands that a potential series against a different opponent will be arranged.

Super League youngster confirms NRL switch

It had been reported two months ago down under but there was no official line from the northern hemisphere regarding Lewis Murphy’s move to the NRL. That’s since been confirmed with the young winger set to join Sydney Roosters from 2024. He’s since passionately defended and praised his current coach, whilst also bemoaning his current injury woes.

Stevo backs three-club merger

Stevo has long been one to back the concept of mergers and his living in Australia has no doubt influenced some of his beliefs. His most recent claim is a familiar one and it’s again the suggestion that the three Cumbrian sides should merge and become a Super League powerhouse consequently.