McShane named for England mid-season game

Castleford Tigers captain Paul McShane has been named in Shaun Wane's England squad for the mid-season international against the Combined Nations All Stars on Saturday, 18th June.

The game will take place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.

McShane was the starting hooker in both of England's matches in 2021 against the Combined Nations All Stars during the summer, and then France in the autumn.

The All Stars fixture revives a Rugby League tradition which stretches back to the Other Nationalities team of the early 20th century, with the team made up of players from across the Rugby League world who are currently playing in the northern hemisphere. Coaching the All Stars this year will be Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley MBE, who goes head-to-head with his former Wigan and Leeds team-mate Shaun Wane.

Earlier this Rugby League supporters in England and around the world rallied to support Tonga following the Pacific nation’s devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami in January. On Saturday both sides will wear unique, Tonga-inspired shirts for the match. Supporters can continue to raise funds for those affected by purchasing replica shirts which are on sale now. £10 from each shirt sale will be donated to a tsunami relief fund.

England versus the Combined Nations All Stars is part of a double-header which also sees England Women taking on France. Tickets for the men’s and women’s double-header at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium are available to buy now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s at eticketing.co.uk/rugbyleague.

England squad
Matty Ashton (Warrington Wolves), Joe Batchelor (St Helens), John Bateman (Wigan Warriors), Mike Cooper (Warrington Wolves), Liam Farrell (Wigan Warriors), Ryan Hall (Hull KR), Matty Lees (St Helens), Michael McIlorum, Mike McMeeken (both Catalans Dragons), Paul McShane (Castleford Tigers), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Mikolaj Oledzki (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford (both Warrington Wolves), Sam Tomkins (Catalans Dragons, Captain), Alex Walmsley (St Helens), Jake Wardle (Huddersfield Giants), Kallum Watkins (Salford Red Devils), Jack Welsby (St Helens), George Williams (Warrington Wolves)