England winger Tom Davies would like to see regular tests against France
England winger Tom Davies believes a regular test match against France would only benefit both nations on the international scene.
The 24-year-old, who currently plies his trade in France for Catalans Dragons, played his first game for England in a mid-season match against the Combined Nations All Stars earlier this year.
He will be one of eight to earn their first official caps in Perpignan this Saturday. England face France at the Stade Gilbert Brutus, the home of the Dragons.
Davies believes a strong French side could provide England with the strong competition they need.
He said: “The Aussies and New Zealanders get together each year for the Anzac and, if we can get something like that with the French and have a competitive game, it’s only going to improve both the sides.
“It tests us and brings the best out of us and vice versa.”
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Tom Davies delighted to see rugby league growing in France
Davies moved to Catalans from his hometown club Wigan two years ago. He helped the Dragons win the League Leaders’ Shield and reach their maiden Grand Final this season.
There has been somewhat of a French revolution in rugby league in recent years. Toulouse have clinched promotion from the Championship, meaning Super League will have two French teams in 2022.
Davies says the sport is really starting to make an impact across the Channel.
He added: “It’s gathering a lot of momentum at the minute. It’s really starting to take off there.
“Toulouse won the Championship and they’re coming up and we won the league this year so there’s a great buzz.
“Kids have got a new hero in Sam Tomkins and they are now going to get involved in the game so we’ll see the effect of that in 10 or 15 years’ time.
“It’s even happening in the French Elite, you look at clubs like Lezignan, Limoux and St Esteve who are starting to build and get good team. Obviously Jimmy Maloney is there next year and Jason Baitieri.
“If we can get the French Elite up to Super League or Championship standard, it’s only going to improve the game.”
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