Luke Burgess Called Into England Squad

Rabbitohs prop forward Luke Burgess has been called into the England national squad for their International series against Wales and France throughout October and November.

Luke has joined brother Sam in the squad, following the suspension of Bulldogs and England prop James Graham for biting at the NRL judiciary last night.

This is Luke's first international squad call up.

The England squad will gather in South Africa for a pre-tournament, high-altitude training camp this month as they begin preparations for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

England will play at least two matches in the autumn international series, and possibly a third Test if they can win through to the Final of the tournament to be played in Salford in November.

The 2012 Autumn International Series tournament schedule is:

Saturday 20 October – France vs Wales (Stade-Félix-Bollaert, Lens, France - 3pm)
Saturday 27 October – Wales vs England (Glyndwr University Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Wales - 2:30pm)
Saturday 3 November – England vs France (MS3 Craven Park, Hull, England - 2:30pm)
Sunday 11 November – Final (Salford City Stadium, England - 5pm)

The 24-man England squad, in alphabetical order, is:

Carl Ablett (Leeds)
Ryan Atkins (Warrington)
Tom Briscoe (Hull FC)
Luke Burgess (Rabbitohs)
Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs)
Rob Burrow (Leeds)
Josh Charnley (Wigan)
Rangi Chase (Castleford)
Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield)
Gareth Ellis (Tigers/Hull FC)
Ryan Hall (Leeds)
Zak Hardaker (Leeds)
Chris Hill (Warrington)
Gareth Hock (Wigan)
Jamie Jones-Buchanan (Leeds)
Michael McIlorum (Wigan)
Adrian Morley (Warrington)
Lee Mossop (Wigan)
Richard Myler (Warrington)
Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan)
Kevin Sinfield (Leeds)
Sam Tomkins (Wigan)
Kallum Watkins (Leeds)
Ben Westwood (Warrington)

Coach - Steve McNamara

Congratulations to Luke Burgess on his selection in the England national squad on behalf of everyone connected with the Rabbitohs.