Wales Students Squad

by NRL

Clive Griffiths has named his Wales Student Rugby League squad as the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham is set to stage the 2012 Student Rugby League (SRL) Four Nations from June 11-15.

England will be looking to retain the crown that they have won for the last two years but are sure to face a stiff test with Wales, Scotland and Ireland all preparing well for the five-day tournament.

The holders - now under the stewardship of James Lewis - warmed up with a hard-fought win over the Army in a trial game last week, whilst Wales are able to call on the experience of North Wales Crusaders head coach Clive Griffiths.

"It's going to be a great advert for student Rugby League," said SRL Development Officer James Szymik.

"The Racecourse will be a perfect venue for such a prestigious tournament and I'm sure the quality of action on the field will be high.

"England and Wales have been the dominant forces over recent years but I'm sure both Scotland and Ireland will be out to prove a point this time round."

Wales coach Clive Griffiths, who today released his 20-man squad for the tournament, said: "It's going to be a big challenge for us as this will be a tough tournament. England we know will be the favourites as they've won it for the last two years while Scotland and Ireland always give everyone a close game. When it comes to Student internationals, you can't pick a winner which is what makes it exciting. It is our goal obviously to win the tournament and prepare us for the holy grail, the only thing we've not yet won, the World Cup next year.

"We've prepared well. We've being training for over a month and had some much needed match practice last Sunday when we took on Conwy Celts at the Racecourse. We played really well and it was nice to have a run out on the stadium we're going to be playing at. It certainly helped me with my squad selection which I have to say was very tough, it was a case of who to leave out.

"We're all now looking forward to the tournament and we are hoping to win our first title in three years. Hopefully many North Wales Crusaders and other local Rugby League fans will be able to attend and cheer us on."

Griffiths has named nine new caps in his squad of 20 with a number of the players linked with Wales' two semi-professional clubs. Yannic Parker, James Gahan, Louis Singleton and Callum Wilkinson have appeared for South Wales Scorpions' first team this season, while Owain Griffiths is now with North Wales Crusaders. In addition, Mark Wool has played with Leeds Rhinos reserves and Mike Ward has appeared for Gateshead Thunder.

SQUAD
1. Lewis Warner (University of Gloucestershire)
2. Patrick Evans (University of Gloucestershire)
3. Simon Wright (UWIC)
4. Yannic Parker (University of Gloucestershire)*
5. James Gahan (University of Gloucestershire)*
6. Kristian Hawkes (Swansea University)
7. Scott Amber (UWIC)
8. Lewys Weaver (Twyford College)*
9. Jason Blackmore (Llandrillo College)*
10. Izaak Duffy (UWIC)
11. Callum Wilkinson (UWIC)
12. Harrison Elliot (University of Glamorgan)*
13. Nathan Rainer (University of Gloucestershire)*
14. Owain Griffiths (Leeds Met)
15. Louis Singleton (UWIC)*
16. Luke Evans (Exeter University)*
17. Mark Wool (Leeds Met)
18. Tom Beaumont (Durham University)
19. Tom Morgan (Loughborough University)
20. Mike Ward (Newcastle University)*

SRL Four Nations 2012 ? fixtures

Monday June 11
Ireland v England (5.00pm)
Scotland v Wales (7.00pm)

Wednesday June 13
England v Scotland (5.00pm)
Wales v Ireland (7.00pm)

Friday June 15
Ireland v Scotland (5.00pm)
Wales v England (7.00pm)

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult:
&;6.00 per evening
&;15.00 event ticket

Concessions: (Over 65, Student, Child Under 16, Disabled)
&;4.00 per evening
&;10.00 event ticket

Family: (2 Adults & 2 Children)
&;18.00 per evening
&;50.00 event ticket

Under 7 ? FREE

Hospitality Boxes
&;200 ? match ticket and hot fork meal provided for 10 people with cash bar waitress service.

For more information or to make your booking contact sportsbookings@glyndwr.ac.uk

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