Sean O’Loughlin to miss Great Britain tour

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin will not be selected for the Great Britain tour, ahead of the squad announcement on Monday.

O’Loughlin, 36, made 23 appearances for the Warriors in 2019, despite struggling with a pectoral injury.

He had been hoping to make a return to GB colours having featured in the last series, back in 2007.

Kevin Sinfield, the Rugby Football League’s Director of Rugby, said: “Lockers has made an outstanding contribution to the national team over the last 15 years, and has led from the front as England captain. He has been integral to the squad’s improvements and influenced so many, especially since we introduced the England Performance Unit after the 2017 World Cup.

“I had the pleasure of playing alongside him and he is an absolute champion both on and off the field – a true warrior. He has had a difficult year with injuries and he will be sorely missed in 2019 but his influence will remain.

“Both Wayne Bennett and Sean discussed and agreed that it was best for him to miss the tour this year.”

Great Britain and England head coach Wayne Bennett said: “I’ve admired Sean O’Loughlin as a player for a long time, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him with England.

“He’s been an outstanding leader of the team on and off the field, with the ability to play in any position, and his combination of skill and toughness. It was important that I spoke to him and we agreed on an outcome, and hopefully it will help him come back fresh next season.”