Revived Exiles or home nations series on radar of England coach Shaun Wane

England’s preparations for the 2021 World Cup were dealt a blow today when this year’s three-Test series against Australia was cancelled, because of the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ashes would have given Shaun Wane a first look at his Test squad, but the new England coach has not given up hope of playing one or more matches this year, as well as a mid-season Test in 2021.

Wane said a home nations series could be a possibility, but reviving the Exiles – made up of overseas players at Betfred Super League clubs – is also an option and, realistically, would pose stronger opposition. England played Exiles four times from 2011-2014, with both sides winning twice.

“I would like to have a mid-season Test and get something in at the end of this year,” Wane confirmed in a briefing for the media today.

“Whatever this season looks like, if there is something we can put in at the end that would be great. That is going to be a big call, Super League comes first and I understand that. I was aware there was a chance of the Ashes being cancelled, but I am a pretty forward-thinking bloke and I’ve been putting things into place about what to do next and how we can fix things.”

Wane insisted: “The Exiles has not been discussed yet, but I just want us to play. I want to get coaching and doing what I hopefully do best.

“If it’s Exiles, great. If you look at the quality of overseas players here, playing in Super League, that would be a great test for us.

“The other day I picked an Exiles team from Super League and it was a strong team, as good as any Test team.

“It would be a great game and great for fans to watch a game of that standard.”

Wane – who said practice matches against the second string England Knights will be used to help prepare his side for the World Cup Wales – stressed he was “not bothered” where next year’s mid-season Test is played.

Wales have already offered to play England and Wane said: “Super League is strong and we have got players from all the home nations in Super League.

“A game is a game, but as national coach I would want it to be as high quality as possible.”

Super League are working towards a return in August. Various options being considered would lead to a Grand Final in November, December or January next year.

Of the impact such a late finish could have on England’s plans, Wane noted: “It is a fair while before the World Cup starts, but the longer I have with the players, the more satisfied I will be.

“I understand the need to get some games on this year; the players want to play. That is the priority at the minute, get Super League going, get watching some games and get the players doing what they do best.

“I will make the best of it. Whenever it finishes we will get together and the players will get some quality from being in the England squad.”

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