Tuesday 6 September 2016 10:57, UK
Sam Burgess has been ruled out of England's game against France in October due to suspension.
England are scheduled to play France in Avignon on Saturday October 22 in a warm-up game ahead of the Four Nations, but Burgess will be unavailable for selection for new head coach Wayne Bennett.
The former Bradford Bulls forward will, however, be free to play in England's opening Four Nations fixture against New Zealand at the John Smith's Stadium in Huddersfield on Saturday October 29,
Burgess, who looks certain to be named in Bennett's squad following his return to rugby league from union after last year's Rugby World Cup in England, picked up a one-match ban following South Sydney Rabbitohs' final NRL game of the season against Canterbury Bulldogs last Friday.
The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to a tripping charge after an incident involving Bulldogs prop Aiden Tolman in the 47th minute of the game which South Sydney won 28-10.
The Rabbitohs failed to qualify for the NRL Finals series so Burgess will serve his suspension with England, as long as he is selected in the squad.
England also play Scotland at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday November 5 and Australia and West Ham's London Stadium on Sunday November 13 during the Four Nations group stage.
The final will be played at Anfield in Liverpool on Sunday November 20.
