Wales international Morgan Knowles switches to England ahead of 2021 Rugby League World Cup
Photo courtesy of Richard Long
Morgan Knowles has switched his international allegiances from Wales to England ahead of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup and has been added to England’s elite training squad by head coach Shaun Wane.
The St Helens loose forward was born in Barrow, and previously opted to play for Wales from a young age, qualifying on account of his Rhondda-born mother.
He has made four appearances for Wales between 2015-17, including a World Cup.
“I feel very honoured to have played for Wales and represent my Welsh family and heritage and I am hugely grateful for the opportunities and experiences this has brought my way.
“But first and foremost I’m a really proud Cumbrian. I was born in Barrow and I’m English and I want to play for my country. Hopefully if I work hard, I will be able to do that and I am excited about what the future may hold.”
Wane added: “I have been aware of Morgan for quite a while now, he is a player I admire greatly. His skilful and competitive way of playing really suits what we want to see from an England player. I am sure he will a big part within our England top squad and the success we will have.
“Already I have spoken to him and I like him. He is a player that stayed behind the first time I met him and asked what he needs to work on. That speaks volumes of him as a player, that desire to improve is everything to me.
“He can play. Lockers is not going to last forever and he sees himself jumping in there, which I can see myself. He is one of those players with skill and a bit of speed who can do a job anywhere.
“It was ultimately Morgan’s choice and I gave him the option and he decided to come with me. You have seen what he is like at Saints, going head-to-head with some tough players.
“He is the sort of lad that will relish a tough test match and I look forward to seeing him in that sort of environment.”
Brisbane Broncos outside-back Herbie Farnworth has also been added by Wane to his England elite training squad. He has scored five tries for the Suncorp Stadium side so far in 2020.
