England prepares for Rugby League World Cup against Tonga in Sydney
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 13, 2026, 1:16 PM
Last updated Oct 13, 2026
England's men's Rugby League World Cup campaign begins Saturday against Tonga in Sydney. New head coach Brian McDermott aims to rejuvenate the squad, which features ten NRL players, hoping to replicate past successes. Despite limited preparation, there is optimism within the camp after recent series wins. The men's tournament runs from October 15 to November 15 across Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand.
- •England faces Tonga in their World Cup opener on October 15.
- •McDermott's squad includes ten players from the NRL.
- •England seeks to build on recent series wins over Tonga and Samoa.
- •The tournament involves men's, women's, and wheelchair competitions.
- •Australia hosts most matches, with additional games in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
- 1:16 PMBBC Sport — Different ways to win - what Rugby League World Cup success looks like
"Some teams have their eyes on a trophy - others are prioritising longer-term gains. BBC Sport assesses a Rugby League World Cup that comes at a pivotal time for the international game.
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