Shaun Wane given England assurances as head coach responds to War of the Roses U-turn

England coach Shaun Wane says he has been given assurances that he will have a mid-season training camp with his squad ahead of the Ashes, despite plans for the 2025 calendar leaving it unclear when that will be realistic.

Earlier this week, it was agreed at an meeting of Super League's owners that the War of the Roses will not be revived next year, despite Wane's public endorsement following England's victory over Samoa in the second Test.

Instead of continuing with the mid-season Test against France or a return of the Exiles, it was instead decided that a Super League round should be split between two weekends, ensuring every club gets a mid-season break.

READ MORE:Lee Radford's key role in Ian Watson going from Rugby League boss to Union coach

READ MORE:State pensioners waking up to £200 boost after Winter Fuel Allowance axed

However, that would appear to remove any chance of a week where Wane will be able to get together with his group of players. That would be a huge blow to preparations for next year's Test series with Australia, with England set to battle it out with the world champions next Autumn.

Wane's contact time with his England squad is limited as it is. Samoa counterpart Ben Gardiner noted during his media duties that they had only six training sessions together, though England took to training field significantly less than that and were restricted to off-feet sessions before the series started.

That said, Wane says he has received assurances that a training camp will take place. Speaking exclusively to Rugby League Live, Wane said: "I’m gutted Yorkshire and Lancashire has been cancelled.

"It was favourable, and my idea was that Andy Last would coach Yorkshire, Lee Briers Lancashire and then England Knights play France, which would have allowed me to watch the youngsters play before an England trial.

"It’s not going ahead but I'm sure we'll be all over it in the future, it’s a fantastic concept. But I see a lot of value having a camp with my players and getting some intense work into them."

When asked if he'd been assured that would happen, Wane said: "Yes, I have. It's best for the players and it's so needed, we did some work with them this time and the lads loved it, so I'm really looking forward to having that opportunity with them next year before the Ashes, which I can't wait for."

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel