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Connor omitted as England names 23-player 2026 World Cup squad

By Drooid · Oct 5, 2026, 10:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Coach Brian McDermott announced a 23-player England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
He omitted Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor, the 2025 Man of Steel, from the squad.
Hull KR playmaker Mikey Lewis replaces Connor at half-back.
The roster features seven Wigan Warriors and three NRL heritage players, including Hugo Savala and Victor Radley.
England opens the tournament versus Tonga on October 17 at HBF Park, Perth, then meets France on October 24.

History

Historical Context

Hosted by England and Wales in October 1995, the centenary Rugby League World Cup expanded to ten nations and introduced a knockout stage. England, coached by Phil Larder, reached the Wembley final but lost 16-8 to Australia before 66,540 spectators; Denis Betts captained while playing for the Auckland Warriors, highlighting early domestic-overseas selection tensions that echo today’s squad debates.

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Story summary

Coach Brian McDermott announced a 23-player England squad for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
He omitted Leeds Rhinos half-back Jake Connor, the 2025 Man of Steel, from the squad.
Hull KR playmaker Mikey Lewis replaces Connor at half-back.
The roster features seven Wigan Warriors and three NRL heritage players, including Hugo Savala and Victor Radley.
England opens the tournament versus Tonga on October 17 at HBF Park, Perth, then meets France on October 24.

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