Countdown to the all important Four Nations Tournament has begun with Wales announcing a pre tournament match against last year’s European Championship opponents Ireland at The Gnoll in Neath on Saturday 22nd October, kick off 6pm. Last year's enthralling European Championship encounter produced no less than 61 points in an edge of the seat thriller that saw Wales pip their Celtic rivals by 31-30 at a packed Gnoll ground.

Wales will be looking to field pretty much their test team with coach Iestyn Harris expecting a strong performance from his players with places still very much up for grabs for the opening Four Nations fixture against England a week later. Harris said: "This will be the last chance for players to impress ahead of the England game. Ireland are never  easy opponents and will provide a stern test for us. Ireland will be determined to prove a point and this game will give us the chance to run the rule over the team to make sure we get our selection spot on for England. As always we hope the fans will turn out in the sort of numbers they have for previous encounters to cheer on the lads."

Mark Rowley, Chairman of Wales Rugby League said. "If this year's game is anything like last season's then the crowd are in for a real treat. "As a National Governing Body we are looking to introduce more and more competitive rugby into our International calendar over the coming two years exposing as many players as we can to the demands of top level rugby in the build up to the Wales & England Rugby League World Cup in 2013."

Tickets for this all important fixture are priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions and are already on sale online at www.walesrugbyleague.co.uk. They can also be bought in person at all of South Wales Scorpions’ last three matches of the season, starting with this Sunday’s game against Doncaster at The Gnoll (kick-off 3pm).