When do England play on the Rugby League World Cup? Begin occasions, fixtures and TV channel

The team suffered heartbreak five years ago when they were agonisingly edged out by Australia in the final.

In fact, England have been runners-up in the tournament on three occasions in 1975, 1995 as well as in 2017.

Shaun Wane’s side enter the tournament as one of the favourites to finally get their hands on the title – and where better to do it than at home as hosts of this year’s World Cup.

But when and who exactly do England play in the Rugby League World Cup? Read on to find out the all-important diary dates.

Who do England play in the Rugby League World Cup group stage?

England have been drawn in Group A alongside France, Greece and Samoa.

The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarter-finals.

When do England play at the Rugby League World Cup?

England begin their latest World Cup campaign against Samoa on October 15 at St James’ Park in Newcastle.

The group will have a full week to prepare for their next game against France, with the match being held at the University of Bolton Stadium on October 22.

England will conclude their group stage campaign with a clash against Greece at Bramall Lane in Sheffield on October 29.

England had been preparing for their World Cup fixtures last October, but the tournament was postponed for 12 months after Australia and New Zealand pulled out of the competition citing ‘player welfare and safety concerns’.

What TV channel will the England matches be on?

England’s opener against Samoa will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage getting underway from 1.15pm.

The match will also be shown live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

It has not been confirmed which channel England’s other two matches will be shown on – but every game featuring the hosts will be shown live on the BBC TV channels.

The BBC will show every Rugby League World Cup game live on their TV channels and other platforms, including BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.

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