New venues in contention for Four Nations

This year's Four Nations rugby league international series could matches played in Scotland and Coventry.

Organisers of this year's Four Nations rugby league tournament in the UK are considering hosting matches in Scotland and Coventry.

Coventry's Ricoh Arena, home to Coventry City FC and London Wasps rugby team, could stage rugby league for the first time with the stadium among the venues being considered for the 2016 Four Nations Series, PA Sport understands.

Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood declined to confirm any of the likely venues but said the schedule was close to being finalised.

It is thought organisers are considering launching the tournament, in which Scotland have qualified to line up alongside England, Australia and New Zealand, with a double-header on Saturday, October 29.

There will be further round-robin matches on November 5 and 12, with the final on Saturday, November 19.

Organisers are giving serious consideration to taking a game north of the border following Scotland's 2014 European Championship triumph which earned them a place at the top table and are also committed to taking a game to London.

The RFL is keen to return to the Olympic Stadium after drawing a crowd of 44,393 for England's Test match against New Zealand last November but need to resolve difficulties over availability.

Meanwhile, Wood said an announcement on the future of England coach Steve McNamara is likely to be made in February.

McNamara's two-year contract expired at the end of the Test series triumph over the Kiwis in November and the lengthy time lapse suggests it is not guaranteed to be renewed.

Press Association Sport understands Wood has met McNamara three times since the end of the series, including once during a visit to Sydney while accompanied by RFL chairman Brian Barwick on international business earlier this month.

McNamara recently signed a new two-year contract as a full-time assistant coach at Sydney Roosters and is due to fly to England next month for the World Club Series in which the Roosters take on St Helens at Langtree Park on February 19.


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Source: AAP



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