Valencia to Host World Cup Qualifier

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In addition to the RL World Cup qualifier being staged in Monza this autumn, Valencia has been announced as the venue for Spain’s v Ireland on 22 October. 
This is another first for the sport and the round two game could potentially be decisive for Spain following on from their away encounter in Moscow seven days earlier.
Spanish coach Darren Fisher said: “The Ireland game will not only be against our highest-level opposition in our history but it’s possibly our chance to progress through to the Antipodes next year,” 
“Spain is well known for the ex-pat community here and I’m sure Irish supporters will be out to enjoy the match in Valencia, it is a terrific city."
“It’s exciting to be part of the qualifying rounds, we will try not to get carried away too much in the emotion of the occasions. I will be preparing the squad for two very challenging, different styles in Russia and Ireland. The game has already attracted a lot of interest.”
Ireland RL director Richard Egan said: “We are really looking forward to visiting Valencia. There is an air of uncertainty around the Spanish team as we haven’t faced them before, but we have seen their results and we know we will need to prepare for a tough encounter.”

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