Set in 330-acres of Staffordshire countryside and already home to all 24 of England’s football teams, St. George’s Park offers the perfect environment for the squad as they get ready for upcoming games against France and New Zealand.
The £105m world-class facility will provide a unique setting for the England players and coaching staff.
England coach Steve McNamara said: “Moving to St George’s Park is the next step in England’s performance plan as we prepare to beat the world’s number one team, New Zealand in November.
“I’ve visited the training facilities a couple of times now with players and staff and on each occasion we’ve been really impressed with what’s on offer. I can already see how we’ll be getting the best out of St George’s Park when the squad comes together in October.
“In the last meeting we had I asked the players to start doing those extra things in training that get them over the line or gain extra yards – moving to a place like this will give England as whole that extra push in the international series and perform at a higher level.”
St. George’s Park Managing Director, Julie Harrington, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the RFL have chosen to use St. George’s Park for their autumn internationals.
England Rugby League squad set to use St. George's Park
“We’ve been lucky enough in the past to host numerous sporting teams, including the GB Hockey and GB Basketball sides as well as the England Rugby Union team and I am thrilled that we’re able to offer the RFL the chance to prepare with us at SGP.
“Not only do we have pitches that can accommodate the high standards the team’s training requires, but our hotel and sports science facilities will also be of great benefit to the team as they get ready for a number of important matches.”
RFL Director of Performance and Coaching Jon Roberts said: “Every year we review and look for improvements and developments in our programme and are delighted to have reached an agreement to base ourselves at St George’s Park this year. This will allow us to continue to build upon and extend the sports science support and recovery and preparation programme.
“St George’s Park have invested heavily in the development of world-class facilities and the opportunity has arisen to move our camp this year. We will review after the New Zealand series looking forward to 2016 and preparations for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
“I would like to thank Loughborough University who provided a world-class environment for England during our camps in the last few years.”
England’s international schedule kicks off at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2.00pm) with a match against France.
The three-game series against New Zealand starts at the KC Stadium, Hull on Sunday November 1 (5.00pm) moving on to The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on Saturday November 7 (2.30pm). The series concludes at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm).
Tickets for England v France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2.00pm) cost from as little as £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £22.50 for a family ticket. Please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.
Tickets to the three-game New Zealand series cost from £22 for adults and £10 for concessions per game. A three-match package costing just £45 for adults and £22.50 for concessions is also available. To purchase tickets please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.
