A Lancashire university has given England’s rugby league stars a boost ahead of the national side’s upcoming Test series against Tonga.

England are taking on the Pacific Islanders in a three-match Test series over the next three weeks, meeting for the first time since the 2017 Rugby League World Cup semi-final.

The University of Central Lancashire, based in Preston and with a campus in Burnley, is the nation’s back-of-shirt sponsor for the games.

The logo will also feature on kits worn by England’s women’s and wheelchair team for their fixtures, with the women playing Wales and the reigning world champion wheelchair side taking on fierce rivals France, who they beat in last year’s World Cup final.

Lancashire Telegraph: England and Tonga meet for the first time since 2017England and Tonga meet for the first time since 2017 (Image: PA)

England Rugby League's full autumn internationals fixtures and where to watch

  • Sunday, October 22: England vs Tonga, Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens, 2.30pm (BBC One)
  • Saturday, October 28: England vs Tonga, John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, 2.30pm (BBC One)
  • Saturday, November 4: England Women vs Wales Women, Headingley Stadium, Leeds, 12pm (BBC2)
  • Saturday, November 4: England vs Tonga, Headingley Stadium, Leeds, 2.30pm (BBC One)
  • Sunday, November 5: England Wheelchair vs France Wheelchair, First Direct Arena, Leeds, 3.15pm (BBC2)

UCLan has a strong and long-running history of successful partnerships with rugby league, having been the official University Partner of Wigan Warriors since 2009 and the training base for Wales in last year’s Rugby League World Cup.

To mark the sponsorship deal, England men’s coach Shaun Wane met with Bryan Jones, the Dean of the School of Health, Social Work and Sport at UCLan, to launch the partnership at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium.

“As a proud Lancastrian myself, I’m delighted to welcome the University of Central Lancashire as new partners for all three England teams” Shaun said.

Lancashire Telegraph: Blacko's Herbie Farnworth will miss the Test series through injuryBlacko's Herbie Farnworth will miss the Test series through injury (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s been exciting for us to get back together as a squad this week after the momentum we built in last year’s World Cup, and we’re all pleased to have UCLan as part of our team.”

Dr Bryan Jones said: “I am delighted that we are working with the Rugby Football League for the forthcoming England test series with Tonga, Wales and France.

“The University has a rich history of supporting and developing rugby league coaches and support staff at all levels of the game and has worked with most of the top British coaches in Super League since 2009. I am looking forward to building on this for the future.”

East Lancashire’s Herbie Farnworth had been expected to be in the England squad for the Test series, after the Blacko-born centre impressed at last year’s World Cup and had a fine season for Brisbane Broncos, however he has missed out through injury.

All of England’s autumn internationals will be shown live on the BBC over the coming weeks.