ENGLAND coach Steve McNamara says his side's autumn match against France will bring back some happy memories after it was announced the game would be played at Leigh Sport Village.

The game, which will be played on Saturday, October 24, ahead of a three-match series against New Zealand, comes five years after McNamara's first game in charge of the national side, which was also against the French at Leigh.

"Playing the French has a special place in my heart as they were the first side I faced when I was appointed England coach back in 2010, which was also at Leigh Sports Village, so this will bring back some memories for me," he said.

And he added: "Games like these are extremely important and give us the opportunity to go through our plans before meeting New Zealand.

"We won't be treating this as a friendly. France are a strong side and have some very talented players competing in Super League on a weekly basis so the squad will be looking to impress ahead of that first game against the Kiwis."

It was also announced this week that Wigan's Challenge Cup sixth-round tie against Hull KR will be played at Leigh Sports Village due to scheduled pitch maintenance at the DW Stadium. The match will kick off at 8.05pm on Friday, May 15.