The England Knights are pleased to confirm that they will play a second fixture as part of their autumn programme, going up against Cumbria on Saturday, October 22 at Whitehaven’s Recreation Ground (3.00pm).

The Knights begin their first ever competitive programme this Saturday when they take on France at Leigh Sports Village (3.00pm) and they will then face a tough trip north to Whitehaven to take on a Cumbria side that put up a brave fight against the England senior team this time last year.

“It will be a great test for us,” said Knights head coach Kieran Purtill. “Their very passionate about Rugby League in Cumbria and they’re very passionate about playing for their team. It’s great for the sport up there and I hope the crowd will come out in support like they normally do.

“I spoke to a few of the lads who played in the England game last year and they’ve all said that it was a very physical game. You don’t get the chance to play against England all the time so we know they’ll be pumped up and ready to go for it.”

The Knights squad came together for the first time on Wednesday and with two tough international encounters coming in a seven day period, Purtill is excited by the challenge that lies ahead of him.

“It’s important we manage the week well and hopefully we’ll get through the France game without any injuries,” he said. “If that happens then we can take a strong squad up to Cumbria and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly, we’ll prepare well and go to get the right result.

“There’s a good blend in the squad and I’m looking forward to the next week. We’ve got some good flair players, some grafters and some good speed players on the edges so it’ll be good to get them blending together. The player are here due to their individual brilliance during the season and hopefully we’ll get that coming together on the field.”

England Knights take on Cumbria at The Recreation Ground, Whitehaven on Saturday, October 22 (K.O 3.00pm). Tickets cost £12 adult, £6 concession and £3 children and can be purchased at the turnstile on the day.