Wales set sail for France

Wales fly to France on Thursday to prepare for their Rugby League European Nations Cup Final match against the host country. Wales have not lost to France since 1981 and Wales Rugby League President, Mike Nicholas believes that Wales can keep us this impressive record after their excellent 31-10 win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

?This was a very significant win for Wales,? said Nicholas, who played rugby union for Aberavon and rugby league for Warrington, Cardiff and Wales. ?It fits in nicely with the re-development of Wales Rugby League and has shown that we can hold our own at top international level. Ireland had 12 players with Super League experience in their line-up so our lads can be very proud of themselves.

?Coach Martin Hall deserves so much credit. He?s not had much lead up time to the tournament. Not many people know that the players only got together four days before the first match. Because of this, I and everyone thought we might struggle but Martin has pulled off a minor miracle with the few resources he?s had at his disposal.

?The two wins we?ve had in this tournament so far have proved what team spirit can do. The Ireland win is up there with our most significant results from past ? the win over England ten years ago springs to mind, but I think we played better this weekend ? it?s the best spirited side I?ve seen us put out with professional and amateur players working well together. This result is just a part of our development with academy and Conference players and will help to get the interest up for Celtic Crusaders next year.

?I think we?ll go on and win the Cup now. I think we?ve played our hardest match and after this win I don?t think we?ve anything to fear from France. I know that Lee Briers can follow in the footsteps of Jonathan Davies and lift that trophy.?

France against Wales kicks off at 5pm on Saturday 5 November in Carcasonne, France.