Although the Rugby League World Cup has been postponed until 2022, there is still some local international rugby league with a Warrington connection in the coming weeks.
Former Woolston Rovers captain Paul Berry is head coach of Wales U17s, who will take on the England Community Lions at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay on Sunday August 22.
After a long playing career at amateur level, Berry has been involved on the coaching staff at Warrington Wolves for the past nine years as part of their junior development and scholarship programmes, coaching the likes of Danny Walker, Harvey Livett, Josh Thewlis, Ellis Robson, Riley Dean and Connor Wrench during their early Wolves careers.
He isn’t the only Warrington connection in this match either – Lymm High School student Luke Minett, 16, is part of the Wales U17s squad.
A centre or half back, Minett plays for Bank Quay Bulls and qualifies for selection through heritage.
Berry said: “Its an exciting time to be involved with Wales RL. Coming out of a challenging 2020 we’ve assembled an exciting group of players, and I’m really pleased that the majority come from the South Wales regions and from within their developing community game.
“It’ll be a great challenge for our players to go up against the more experienced England players who will come from within rugby league heartlands of Lancashire, Yorkshire and Cumbria.
“We’ve prepared really well, and the players have learned a lot and really improved in the time that we’ve spent together so far.
“Playing the game in North Wales will hopefully allow for a good crowd which will be another great experience for our players.”
Warrington has a long connection with Wales in rugby league terms, dating back to the signings of Kevin Ellis, Allan Bateman and later, Jonathan Davies.
In recent years, full Wales internationals Rhys Williams, Rhys and Ben Evans have turned out for the club.
Tickets for the fixture can be purchased online via the North Wales Crusaders website – or tickets will be available on the day £10 adults and £5 concessions.
