Wales Rugby League Men’s side will open their European Championship campaign with a trip to Spain, later this year.

John Kear’s side begin their group B campaign against the Spaniards (October 21 or 22), with a visit to Italy a week later (October 28 or 29). We will conclude with a home tie against France (November 4 or 5), with the group winners progressing to the European Championship final a week later.  Venues and dates will be announced in due course.

The competition also acts as a qualification route for the 2025 World Cup. France have already qualified as hosts, meaning the highest placed team at the end of the group stage between Wales, Italy and Spain will automatically take their place at the World Cup. The remaining two nations will have a second opportunity to qualify in 2024.

Group A sees England, Ireland, Scotland and Serbia battle it out for a place in the European Championship final. England’s semi-final place at Rugby League World Cup 2021 has already secured their place at the next World Cup, leaving the remaining three nations in group A battling it out to secure their spot.