ENGLAND’S Test rugby league fixture calendar has been thrown into chaos after Samoa pulled out of a 2024 tour.
The Pacific islanders, who stunned Shaun Wane’s side in last year’s World Cup semi-final, were set to play three matches on these shores next Autumn.
But they have gone back on what seemed to have been agreed - but never formally contracted - to play in the Pacific Championship next year.
That kills any optimism and momentum built by England’s 3-0 whitewash of Tonga, a tour that happened because of their boss Kristian Woolf’s determination.
Wane spoke of how Samoa would be full of confidence next year after the 27-26 semi-final success.
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And SunSport understands ‘positive conversations’ were had with them earlier this year, with international chiefs believed to have heard a similar message – that Samoa would tour - at their meeting in July.
Now rugby league bosses here are scrambling to arrange worthwhile fixtures for the end of next season.
International Rugby League and the NRL are being called upon to help sort the mess but getting teams to head north is much harder as global politics plays a role.
SunSport told in May how the AUKUS agreement between the UK, US and Australia plays a role in staving off China’s growing influence in the region and significant investment.
Now the Government in Canberra funds the Pacific tournaments to the tune of £3.7 million and has already pledged £2.9 million to grow the sport in Papua New Guinea.
If the NRL’s 18th team is based there, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reportedly spoken to counterpart James Marape about an almost £314 million investment over 10 years.
England are set to head to Australia for an Ashes series in 2025 and the World Cup will be in the southern hemisphere a year later.
But unless another side from that part of the world can be convinced to travel, they face European opposition not of the required standard.
The Rugby Football League says it is ‘determined to maintain the momentum for Shaun Wane’s squad in 2024.’
But chairman Simon Johnson said: “Samoa’s decision is especially disappointing but we can’t afford to dwell on it. They have made their decision.
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“We now owe it to Shaun Wane and the players, and to England supporters, to deliver meaningful international rugby league in 2024."
