BBC Sport will revive the spirit of last autumn’s Rugby League World Cup with live and exclusive coverage of five internationals involving three England teams this autumn – including a repeat of the unforgettable Wheelchair Final between England and France.
Tom Halliwell’s World Cup winners will return to action for the first time since their dramatic 28-24 triumph against the French in a mouthwatering rematch against their old French enemy at the first direct Arena in Leeds on the afternoon of Sunday November 5 (315pm kick-off).
Rhodri Jones, the Managing Director of Rugby League Commercial, said:
“We are delighted to confirm both that the England Wheelchair team will return to action on November 5 with a rematch against France at the first direct Arena, and that BBC Sport will provide coverage to the nation of all five of our home England internationals this autumn.
“Last year’s World Cup was such a positive event for the sport, with huge support for our three England teams as they won 10 games out of 10 to reach the Semi Finals of the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions, and the Wheelchair team going on to be crowned world champions on a truly memorable night in Manchester.
“BBC Sport’s coverage ensured that the success of all three teams was celebrated by the widest possible audience, and now we can look forward to a repeat in 2023.
“It was so important for us for our England teams to play at home again this autumn. We are thrilled to be welcoming Kristian Woolf and his Tonga team for an historic three-Test series, and equally excited that Jodie Cunningham will lead England Women against Wales in the first part of a double-header at Headingley on November 4.
“With confirmation of a first Wheelchair Rugby League International in the superb facilities of the first direct Arena the following day, it promises to be a memorable weekend of Rugby League in Leeds – we are grateful to Leeds City Council for their support, and we look forward to working closely with them to deliver that.”
Barbara Slater OBE, Director of BBC Sport, said:
“All 61 games of last year’s exhilarating Rugby League World Cup, across the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments, were broadcast live on the BBC. It was a privilege to be the home of that tournament, and it’s a privilege to continue to broadcast live Rugby League internationals on free-to-air television. Alongside the England Men’s series against Tonga and the home nation Women’s clash between England and Wales, it is a tantalising prospect to have a re-match of last year’s thrilling Wheelchair final between England and France live on BBC Two, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online.”
