England trio ruled out of France test

England coach Shaun Wane, who held his first training session on Tuesday, has also ruled out Warrington hooker Daryl Clark and Huddersfield winger Jermaine McGillvary due to injury.

Difficult year for the players

Wane said: “It’s been a tough year and the games have come thick and fast so I knew it was coming.

“The players are smashed up. For Daryl Clark to play the last match with two fractured ribs and torn medial ligament in his knee shows the toughness of the players we have in our sport.”

Wane remains confident in the strength of his squad and says the injuries will pave the way for several fringe players to get their chance.

He said: “We trained this morning and we had 10 young kids from the England Knights in and they acquitted themselves really well.

“With McGillvary missing, it’s a chance for example for Liam Marshall to step up. It’s exciting.”

Wane, who is going part-time with England following his return to an off-the-field role with Wigan, confirmed that Catalans Dragons full-back Sam Tomkins will captain the side against France if he is fit.

Meanwhile, Wigan have appointed assistant Matt Peet as their new head coach, replacing Adrian Lam. Wane will combine his role as England head coach with that of leadership and management director at the Warriors.

Peet’s assistants will be former Warrington player and assistant coach Lee Briers as well as ex-Wigan skipper Sean O’Loughlin.

On his Wigan return, Wane said: “This role presents me with an exciting new challenge. My passion is developing people and culture and being able to do this at my hometown club is the perfect fit.

“I’m looking forward to working with Matt, Sean and Lee immensely. I’ve known Matt for years – he has great qualities. He is a coach that cares about his players and has an outstanding work ethic. I think he is the perfect fit for Wigan.”