France welcome Wales on Sunday 19th June for a men’s international at the Municipal Stadium in Albi, giving both sides a much needed hit out as preparations intensify for the Rugby League World Cup later this year. 

France Head Coach Laurent Frayssinous may hand débuts to Catalans Dragons duo Romano Arthur and Cesar Rouge whilst club mates Benjamin Garcia and Julian Bousquet are named captain and vice-captain respectively. 

“The objective of this test match against Wales is to rectify what did not work against England last October and continue to work on the combinations that will serve as the basis for the next World Cup.” he noted. 

“We have high expectations in terms of performance at this international meeting and I am delighted with the quality of this group.”

Meanwhile, Rhys Williams will captain Wales when he makes a record breaking 31st appearance on Sunday, surpassing former team mates Ian Watson and Jordan James.

There are ten possible debutants in the squad travelling to Albi. Luis Roberts has represented Wales at both under 16 and under 19 level, while there could be first caps for Will Evans and former Wales under 19s captain, Cobi Green. The duo represented Wales in the international Nines competition in 2019 but are yet to feature in a full international.

Bailey Antrobus, Jude Ferreira, Tom Hopkins, Owen Restall and Lewis Hulme are also included for their potential first Wales appearances.

The game will be the first full international for Wales’ men in more than 1,300 days, since beating Ireland to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.

France
Julian Bousquet, Alrix Da Costa, Jordan Dezaria, Benjamin Garcia, Mikael Goudemand, Julien Benjamin, Mathieu Laguerre, ARTHUR MOURGUES, Arthur Romano, Cesar Rouge, Paul Seguier, Fouad Yaha (Catalans Dragons), Morgan Escare (Salford City Reds), Louis Jouffret (Halifax), Paul Marcon, Eloi Pelissier, Navarrette Romain, Justin Sangare, Maxime Stefani (Toulouse Olympique).

Wales
Anthony Walker, Bailey Antrobus, Ben Evans, Chester Butler, Cobi Green, Connor Davies, Curtis Davies, Dalton Grant, Elliot Kear, Joe Burke Kyle Evans, Lewis Hulme, Luis Roberts, Luke Thomas, Matty Fozzard, Mike Butt, Rhys Williams, Tom Hopkins, Will Evans