Youth Internationals France - England

[miguel de cervantes]

For what it is worth:


18th April: U16s | France 14 England 21 (Entraigues)

21th April: U15s | France 10 England 14 (Apt, good crowd)

22nd April: U16s | France 22 England 16 (Toulon, good crowd)

 

[hutch]

Were they full strength squads with the best players in the countries? If so, great results for France!

 

[Storm13]

I read an article before the tournament started and all of England's players were from Super League clubs.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

Yes, they were the real deal. France have shown time and time again they compete perfectly well with English and Australian youth teams (U18, AIS) at this level. It is likely the lack of a pathway to professional league that produces the difference we see at that level. Most of the youth get stuck in the LER and stagnate, or go to union.

Some will claim that they should be picked up by English ESL clubs, but for a young lad to move overseas into a different culture is not easy and a large barrier (young AFL players have quit Queensland citing homesickness FFS). Another SL club in France would certainly help.

 

[Bronco Rob]

Interesting to see that Johnny Wilkinson ceremonially kicked off the match in the u16's International against England.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

Interesting to see that Johnny Wilkinson ceremonially kicked off the match in the u16's International against England.

Toulon League club is run by an ex-Toulon Racing (and ex-Super League) player with a contact or two.

 

[RedVee]

For what it is worth:


18th April: U16s | France 14 England 21 (Entraigues)

21th April: U15s | France 10 England 14 (Apt, good crowd)

22nd April: U16s | France 22 England 16 (Toulon, good crowd)

Thanks.

Yes, they were the real deal. France have shown time and time again they compete perfectly well with English and Australian youth teams (U18, AIS) at this level. It is likely the lack of a pathway to professional league that produces the difference we see at that level. Most of the youth get stuck in the LER and stagnate, or go to union.

Some will claim that they should be picked up by English ESL clubs, but for a young lad to move overseas into a different culture is not easy and a large barrier (young AFL players have quit Queensland citing homesickness FFS). Another SL club in France would certainly help.

Yes, I agree but it doesn't seem close.