France set for international Test series against World Cup quarter-finalists

A new international Test series looks set to take place this Autumn. Rugby League Live understands Lebanon are set to make the trip to Europe later this year for a Test series against France, with talks to finalise the series understood to be close to completion.

The Cedars have been exploring options to travel for a Test series this Autumn and had offered to act as opposition for England when Samoa were showing reluctance to travel to take on Shaun Wane's side earlier this year. However, it now appears that Lebanon, who are ranked ninth in the world, will take on France in a fresh addition to the international calendar.

Lebanon are coached by Michael Cheika, who is also the head coach of English rugby union side Leicester Tigers, and it's believed that a series of games in the Northern Hemisphere would help to allow him to have a more prominent involvement in any games, which has seen authorities pursue willing opponents.

Lebanon are not involved in the Pacific Cup which will return after a successful first season, but France are due to be playing in a World Cup qualification tournament alongside, Serbia, Ukraine and Wales, though no fixtures have been announced at this stage. However, sources insist the series is now likely to happen.

Lebanon have reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in the past two tournaments, with their exploits in 2022 seeing them automatically qualify for the next event in 2026. Among their notable players are NRL star halfback Mitchell Moses, Wigan Warriors winger Abbas Miski and Wests Tigers ace Adam Doueihi.

As well as the Pacific Cup this Autumn, England are also playing Samoa in a two-Test series. Wales are also set to take on Jamaica.

France's future fixtures are unclear though, with the mid-season Test against England potentially being axed next year to make way for the return of Yorkshire v Lancashire.

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