Agar in positive mood as France aim at European crown

Correspondent

France coach Richard Agar is hopeful that his men can claim the European Championship crown with a win over Scotland in Avignon this weekend.

Wales only have to draw in Ireland to lift the trophy, but if the Irish can beat the Welsh, then France can win the championship on points difference.

“It’s come down to the closest of finishes again,” said Agar.

“We’re happy to be a position to win the competition, should the result go right for us in Ireland.”

Agar is without skipper Theo Fages, along with Antoni Maria and Clement Boyer. Florent Rouanet, Mourad Kriouache and Avignon local Mickael Goudemand have been called up as their replacements.

“We’ve had a really good week’s preparation and there is some energy about the group,” the coach added.

“As always, we are really looking forward to playing in front of our own fans.”

FRANCE SQUAD

Jean Philippe Baille (Bradford Bulls), Gadwin Springer (Castleford Tigers), Jason Baitieri, Julian Bousquet, Morgan Escare, Tony Gigot (Catalans Dragons), John Boudebza, Kevin Larroyer (Hull KR), Florent Rouanet (FC Lézignan XIII), William Barthau (London Broncos), Remy Marginet, Ugo Perez, Stanislas Robin, Jordan Sigismeau (St. Esteve XIII Catalan/ Dragons Catalans), Olivier Arnaud, Mickael Goudemand (SO Avignon XIII), Mourad Kriouache (Toulouse Olympique), Mickael Simon (Wakefield Trinity Wildcats), Benjamin Jullien (Warrington Wolves)