Burgess suspended for England’s game against France

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.

He 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.