Wigan Warriors legend and ex-England captain Sam Tomkins lands new international role with Shaun Wane

Shaun Wane’s side head to the Brick Community Stadium and Leeds’ AMT Headingley Stadium on Sunday, October 27, and Saturday, November 2, respectively, to face the 2021 Rugby League World Cup finalists.

An initial performance squad will be announced on Friday morning, while Lee Briers and Andy Last are also set to return to England’s coaching staff, re-establishing the set-up for last autumn’s 3-0 home series win against Kristian Woolf’s Tonga.

Former England captain Tomkins scored 18 tries in 29 appearances on the international stage, and has been appointed by Wane to fill a behind-the-scenes administrative role.

The 35-year-old had been working in an off-field capacity for Catalans Dragons until making a surprise retirement U-turn in July, having initially called time on his career after last year’s Super League Grand Final.

“It’s an exciting prospect for us all,” said Tomkins.

“Samoa have got some fantastic players, as we saw in the World Cup, and they’re going to be even stronger with the likes of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck coming on board.

“But don’t underestimate the quality of our England players – and this series is another massive step as we look ahead to a tour of Australia next year, and the World Cup in Australia in 2026.

“We’ve got two great venues in Wigan and Leeds, and I’m really looking forward to being involved.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sports will broadcast the groundbreaking documentary, Tomkins: Last Chance, this Friday night, September 6, at 11pm.