England will meet France for a World Cup warm-up fixture on Friday June 27th at the Stade Ernest Wallon in Toulouse.

Great Britain defeated France in mid-season international at Headingley Carnegie Stadium last year but this will be the first time the senior England team have played France in nine years.

That win was Tony Smith’s first game in charge of Great Britain, and the now England coach was excited to be taking his side across the English Channel.

Smith said: “We are delighted that this match has been confirmed for Toulouse. The match will be a significant challenge for our team and a great opportunity to renew a great historical rivalry between the two nations.

“It will also provide us with a valuable opportunity to play together before the World Cup and become accustomed to the type of travelling we will experience in Australia next autumn.”

Smith fielded an experimental side against the French in 2007 but with the World Cup in mind is planning to field a full-strength side this time around.

“It will be selected on form and with the World Cup very much in mind, rather than the more experimental side that we fielded in last season's Great Britain fixture against France,” he added.

Smith is also hoping to arrange a second warm-up match against Ireland, who will also be heading to Australia for the World Cup, although this has yet to be confirmed.