test2wa

Rugby

France will have home advantage in this year's European Cup as they bid to secure a place in the 2011 Four Nations series.

The French will compete with Ireland, Scotland and holders Wales in a condensed competition with the winners taking their place alongside England, Australia and New Zealand in next year's Four Nations in the United Kingdom.

France were admitted to the expanded Tri-Nations in 2009 but make way for Papua New Guinea for this year's tournament being held Down Under after they qualified by winning the Pacific Cup.

Although venues have yet to be finalised, France will be at home in all three group matches, starting with the visit of Ireland on October 9, and that makes them clear favourites.

The other match on the opening weekend sees the Scottish Bravehearts host Wales in a repeat of the 2009 final, which the Welsh won 28-16 in Bridgend.

There will be no final this time, with the team topping the table declared the champions.

"The stakes for matches involving these four nations has rarely been higher and I'm sure the chance to take on Australia, England and New Zealand will bring out the best in all the players involved." said RFL director of development Gary Tasker.

Italy and Lebanon, who both took part in last year's rugbyleague.com European Cup, have been demoted to the European Shield.

2010 rugbyleague.com European Cup schedule:

October 9: France v Ireland; Scotland v Wales.

October 16: France v Scotland; Wales v Ireland.

October 23: France v Wales; Ireland v Scotland.