International round-up
- Wigan Warriors had representatives across the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair internationals over the weekend.
- Tommy Leuluai played his final career game as he played for New Zealand, alongside Willie Isa against Leeds Rhinos.
- Warriors Women’s Carys Marsh also lifted the European Championship B Trophy with Wales with victory over Ireland.
Fourteen Warriors were in international action over the weekend as teams put in their final preparations ahead of the Rugby League World Cup which kicks off next weekend.
England v Fiji
England faced Fiji at the AJ Bell Stadium on Friday night as both teams got time on the field ahead of the World Cup. Mike Cooper and Kai Pearce-Paul, both selected in Shaun Wane’s World Cup squad both featured as well as Liam Marshall, Sam Powell and Harry Smith.
England cruised to victory on the night as they took a 50-0 win, including a try from Mike Cooper. New signing Jake Wardle was also in action.
England Knights v Scotland
England Knights were also in action over the weekend, as they faced Scotland in Edinburgh. The Knights made it two wins from two as they took a deserved 28-4 win.
Ethan Havard started for the knights and was a constant handful throughout the game, as Harvie Hill made his England debut off the bench.
New Zealand v Leeds
37-year old Tommy Leuluai captained the Kiwis for the final time as he closed the curtain on an illustrious 20-year career that saw him play 494 games overall for Club and Country.
Willie Isa also featured as a guest player for New Zealand in the fixture as the Kiwis ran in 14 tries to take a 74-0 win over Leeds Rhinos at Headingley Stadium.
Lebanon v Wales
Abbas Miski started on the wing as Lebanon faced Wales on Saturday afternoon in Sale. The Lebanese were in pole position at the break as they led 24-6, and despite a comeback from the Welsh outfit in the second half the Cedars held on to win 38-22, with Abbas Miski helping out with a number of conversions from the tee.
Cumbria v Jamaica
A bumper crowd saw Cumbria play their first game in 11-years as they ran out 28-12 winners over Jamaica on Saturday.
Brad Singleton featured for Cumbria, and despite going in level at the interval it was Cumbria who came out on top in the second half to hand Jamaica defeat heading into their World Cup campaign.
Ireland Women v Wales Women
Carys Marsh was the starting hooker as Wales face Ireland in the European Championship B title decider on Saturday afternoon in Dublin.
Ireland hit the front through Ali Coleman but Wales went on to score eight unanswered tries, with Marsh instrumental in the centre of the park as they won 44-4 to take the European Championship B title.
Ireland Wheelchair v Wales Wheelchair
Finally, two Warriors went head-to-head as Ireland and Wales also faced off in Wheelchair competition.
Warriors Head Coach Phil Roberts featured for Ireland whilst Mark Williams was at interchange for Wales. In a real arm wrestle of a game, which bodes well ahead of the World Cup, Williams got a try with Wales taking the 67-50 win.
