The Rugby League European Federation said yesterday that it will restore the Under-19 European Championship to the international calendar after a 12-year absence.

Seeded nations England, France, Scotland and Wales will be joined by Ireland, Russia, Serbia and either Italy or Ukraine, who will contest a qualifying match, in the tournament to be held in Belgrade in August 2018.

Ralph Rimmer, chief operating officer for the Rugby Football League, said: “We are delighted to support the reinstated tournament.