Wane wants Exiles match to go ahead

England Head Coach Shaun Wane has said plans to hold a midseason match between England and the Exiles have not changed.

With rising coronavirus cases across the country, there are an increasing number of reports that the start of the season will be delayed to allow the situation to settle down.

Regardless, Wane regards the test as an important part of his preparations for the World Cup.

He said: “Exiles match is still on. Nothing has changed. Talk of the season being put back does not alter that.From my point of view, that game is very important for me and my preparation before the World Cup.

“Whatever happens to changes in the season, this happens all over the world. But if our competition is knocked back a couple of weeks it is better for me ahead of the World Cup.”

Also on his preparations, he said he wanted one more friendly to play, 10 days before their opening match against Samoa at St James Park.

He added: “I always liked playing a game 10 days before the start of the season. We hope to have a friendly in place before our game against Samoa.”