International RL Blog

France U16s defeated England U16s 34-26 in the first Test at the Stobart Stadium in Widnes on Friday 29/3/13. In a closely contested game from start to finish, it was the French who left victorious thanks to a spell of domination in the second half which saw them score three tries in 15 minutes to overturn a 14-12 half time deficit. CLICK HERE for more info Despite a defeat in the second test, the French proved they are more than competitive at this level and have the raw talent available. They lack the sophisticated coaching and development schemes available in England and Australia but hopefully Les Catalans (and possibly another SL franchise) will put this right 

After watching Salford launch their new stadium in the snow we are all glad that RL in the UK is now played in summer. Despite a warm spring period and a very hot Magic Weekend, the cold weather has continued and RL spectators have been enduring a very cold wind up their collective kilts I watched Featherstone Rovers play Pia in the Anglo French Challenge on Sunday which was again played in dreadful conditions and neither side looked as though they wanted to be there. After a dreadful start, Pia we actually quite competitive and I believe the top French sides and top Championship teams would be evenly matched if given a fair chance. An Anglo-French Challenge or a Treize-Tournoi would be great idea but it must be organised correctly and positioned properly within the calender. The end of the French season coincides with the middle of the Championship and this is not good timing for either. September would be better but it must be organised in advance, publicised properly and if ...