Mid-season international window announced
A mid-season international window has been set for the weekend of 26/27 June in 2021.
There was just one men’s international match in 2020, between Germany and Netherlands, while the World Cup is due to take place in England in less than a year.
An IRL statement said: “The official window is a dedicated period when international matches can be arranged and take precedence over domestic matches.
“It is primarily arranged to assist the major professional leagues in the release of players and does not stop any members from arranging games outside of the window.”
There are currently no matches scheduled between major nations until October 23, when England are due to kick-off the World Cup at home to Samoa at St James’ Park in Newcastle.
England haven’t played a game since 2018, a 34-0 defeat to New Zealand at Elland Road.
