• Steve McNamara’s side to play Cumbria ahead of Four Nations • ‘Hopefully as many people as possible will get behind this’ England are to play Cumbria in Whitehaven as part of their preparations for this autumn’s Four Nations series in Australia and New Zealand, although the main purpose of the fixture will be to commemorate Garry Purdham, the former professional player who was one of the victims of the recent shootings in the county. The game will be held on Sunday 3 October, the day after the Super League Grand Final, and will therefore allow the England coach, Steve McNamara, to provide those members of his squad not involved in the climax of the domestic season with a workout before they leave for Auckland the following Wednesday. All the proceeds will be donated to Purdham’s wife Ros and their young children, Flynn and Cameron. Purdham’s younger brother Rob, the Harlequins captain, may be invited to lead the Cumbria team, although that decision will be left to the family. “The events of a fortnight ago were a tragedy of incomprehensible proportions which afflicted a region where rugby league is an intrinsic part of the community,” said the Rugby Football League’s chief executive, Nigel Wood. “Few of us can imagine what the Purdham family have gone through since they lost Garry but everyone within rugby league wants to do the right thing by them. As soon as the idea was suggested to Steve McNamara he was all for it.” McNamara said: “All the Super League players knew of Garry from playing with or against Rob. Hopefully as many people as possible will get behind this match. I can’t think of a more worthy cause.” England rugby league team Rugby league Cumbria shootings Andy Wilson guardian.co.uk
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England to play Garry Purdham memorial game against Cumbria
