O’Loughlin ready to return for England

Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin says he is fit and raring to go for England‘s World Cup game against Ireland on Saturday.

O’Loughlin, 30, missed the opener against Australia with an Achilles injury, which has kept him out of action for much of the past two months, with the exception of the Warriors’ wins in the Challenge Cup final and Super League Grand Final.

He told the club’s official website: “It would be good to get out and play in a game that isn’t a final to be honest and lose the reputation of just picking big games.

“It’s been the best two months of my playing career, winning the Challenge Cup and the Grand Final, it’s just frustrating that I wasn’t as involved as I wanted to be.

“I will train with the lads as normal this week. I’ve done all my fitness testing with the staff, who have got me to a point where I’m good to go.”

Injuries have hampered O’Loughlin’s international career, and he missed the 2008 World Cup with a shoulder injury.

He added: “I was gutted not to be part of the team in 2008. Thankfully I’ve got back for this one and I’m just looking forward now to being involved.”