Wales lock in USA clash for October with ex-Hull FC star to make history at age of 44

Wales will host the USA in a friendly international at The Gnoll in Neath on Saturday, October 17: and former Super League star Peter Lupton is set to create more history at the age of 44!

Whitehaven-born Lupton – who featured in Super League for London Broncos, Hull FC, Castleford Tigers and Crusaders – has enjoyed stints playing both union and league in America.

Some 15 years on from his last Super League appearance, he joined the New York Knights earlier this year and looks set to be involved with the USA on the international stage later this autumn for their clash against Wales.

Owing to his residency across both countries, the veteran utility has already donned a shirt for both Wales and the USA, playing seven times for the Dragons and six times for the Hawks.

Wales lock in USA clash for October with ex-Hull FC Peter Lupton star to make history at age of 44

Now, Lupton looks set to become the first person to captain Wales and a side they face: with more history on the horizon ahead of the Cumbrian’s 45th birthday next March.

October’s clash, for which the kick-off time is still to be confirmed, will be played for International Rugby League (IRL) ranking points and will mark the fourth side the two nations have squared off in a senior men’s international.

Wales head coach Paul Berry said: “It’s really exciting for us to have the opportunity to play the USA on home soil. It’s a nation we wouldn’t play too regularly at any level, so we jumped at the chance when we were presented with the opportunity.

“I’m hoping this autumn, we can build on the work that we started last year and continue to give a number of our younger players more opportunities to play regular senior international matches and expose them to the international stage, which will further accelerate their development both individually and as a group as we progress over the next few years.”

Wales’ last meeting with the USA – which came during the group stages of the 2013 Rugby League World Cup – ended in a 24-16 defeat.

Neither side have made it into this year’s condensed edition of the World Cup, which takes place Down Under across Australia and Papua New Guinea starting in October.

Matt Goschnick, the chair of USA Rugby League, added: “It’s been quite some time since the United States has had the opportunity to play in Wales, and we’re looking forward to the challenge this October.

“Since making significant changes to our national team programme and structure at the end of last year, we’ve seen encouraging progress, highlighted by our men’s victory over Scotland in Las Vegas.

“With a new generation of players emerging through our system, we’re excited to provide our squad with this valuable international experience as we continue to build for the future.

“Wales will be an excellent test of our progress and give us a valuable benchmark as we continue our development on the international stage.”

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