Ireland squad prepare for French challenge
Saturday sees Ireland get their 2010 Alitalia European Cup campaign underway when they face off against stiff opposition against France in Avignon.
Andy Kelly has named a strong 20 man squad for the trip to the south of France including six Super League players.
Scott Grix (Huddersfield) and his brother Simon (Warrington) will be joined by Luke Ambler (Leeds), Greg McNally (Huddersfield), Ryan Boyle (Salford) and Jamie O’Callaghan (Harlequins RL).
The side will also contain this year’s Co-Operative Championship Player of the Year in the shape of Liam Finn who has been a rock for Featherstone Rovers in their push to the grand final.
Oldham have three players in the squad with Wayne Kerr, Matt Ashe and John Gillam travelling with the squad. Kerr is an experienced member of this international side having been selected while he was still at the Carlow Crusaders.
He will be joined by another Crusader when Paddy Barcoe will look to add to the three caps he picked up last year.
Three more home grown players are included with Brendan Guilfoyle holding onto his place in the squad along with newcomers, Adam Aigbokhae (Irish Students) and Joe Taylor (North Dublin Eagles).
Andy Kelly’s men will face tough competition as they go up against a side which could contain five experienced Super League stars along with five more from Championship side Toulouse.
The game will take place at 2.15 Irish time and live updates will be available through Rugby League Ireland‘s new twitter page, @Irelandrl.
Ireland 20-man squad to face France:
Brett McDermott (Barrow Raiders), Sean Hesketh (Batley Bulldogs), Paddy Barcoe (Carlow Crusaders), Matthew Fox (Dewsbury Rams), Liam Finn (Featherstone Rovers), Bob Beswick (Halifax), Jamie O’Callaghan (Harlequins RL), Scott Grix, Greg McNally (Both Huddersfield Giants), Adam Aigbokhae (Irish Students), Luke Ambler (Leeds Rhinos), Joe Taylor (North Dublin Eagles), Matt Ashe, John Gillam, Wayne Kerr (All Oldham), Ryan Boyle (Salford City Reds), Tim Bergin, Michael Hayley (Both Sheffield Eagles), Brendan Guilfoyle (Treaty City Titans), Simon Grix (Warrington Wolves)