Ukraine warmed up for their 2026 Rugby League World Cup European qualifying campaign in France this week with a totally dominant 84-0 win, winger Tigris Polata leading the way with four of their sixteen tries, while veteran Oleksandr Scorbach finished with 28 points from two tries and ten goals.

Ukraine men’s head coach, Dan Beardshaw, commented: “I’m happy with our performance after overcoming some difficult travel and limited time together. The boys deserved the score line due to the work they have put in over the last 18 months. They have bonded together very well, and this is another step forward for the forthcoming fixtures. It was a scoreline that didn’t reflect the efforts from the Czechia players and loud crowd who continued all game long.”

Opposite number, Ladislav Cintler, noted: “It was definitely tough day for us. Ukraine was perfectly prepared and the game was much faster than we are used to. Our guys put their hearts into it and left nothing on the pitch and we are still proud at them, but our opponents played at different level. Congratulations to Ukraine and we wish them good luck at World Cup qualification tournament.”