Wales to Visit South Africa
Wales will kick off their final preparations for the Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup later this year with a groundbreaking trip to South Africa in October.
The Welsh party, headed by their coach Clive Griffiths, will jet out to South Africa on October 15 - just one day after the Tetley Bitter Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Besides a clash with South Africa's national Rugby League team, the Rhinos, the Welsh squad will also enjoy a weeklong training session in Africa.
Wales will face up to the Rhinos at Loftus Versfield stadium, venue of the recent South Africa V England Rugby Union game, and it will be an historic occasion: the first ever League international at the African centre.
A party of 22 players and eight staff will leave the UK on Sunday, October 15 for a week of intensive training and preparation in Pretoria culminating in a full Test match against the Rhinos on Thursday, October 19.
The squad will then return to Wales for a further week of preparation prior to their opening game of the Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup against the Cook Islands at Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham on October 29.
Speaking of Wales' visit to South Africa, Coach Clive Griffiths said: 'This is another first for Wales. In 1995 we were pioneers when we went to the United States in preparation for the Centenary World Cup.
'Once again we are leading the way and I'm sure that our time in South Africa will be ideal for us as we prepare for The Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup.'
Welsh Captain Iestyn Harris said: 'I'm very excited about the World Cup and the trip to South Africa will give us the opportunity to prepare fully for our campaign'.
Welsh team officials Clive Griffiths and Mike Nicholas fly to South Africa for two-days on Friday. Top of their agenda will be the confirmation of the arrangements of the trip and inspection of training facilities and hotels.
ENDS
Contacts:
Welsh Coach, Clive Griffiths: 0976 299997.
Joe Lydon, Rugby Football League Performance Director 0113 232 9111, Joel @
rfl.uk.com
John Huxley, Rugby Football League Media Manager, 0113 232 9111,
johnh@rfl.uk.com
The Welsh party, headed by their coach Clive Griffiths, will jet out to South Africa on October 15 - just one day after the Tetley Bitter Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.
Besides a clash with South Africa's national Rugby League team, the Rhinos, the Welsh squad will also enjoy a weeklong training session in Africa.
Wales will face up to the Rhinos at Loftus Versfield stadium, venue of the recent South Africa V England Rugby Union game, and it will be an historic occasion: the first ever League international at the African centre.
A party of 22 players and eight staff will leave the UK on Sunday, October 15 for a week of intensive training and preparation in Pretoria culminating in a full Test match against the Rhinos on Thursday, October 19.
The squad will then return to Wales for a further week of preparation prior to their opening game of the Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup against the Cook Islands at Racecourse Stadium, Wrexham on October 29.
Speaking of Wales' visit to South Africa, Coach Clive Griffiths said: 'This is another first for Wales. In 1995 we were pioneers when we went to the United States in preparation for the Centenary World Cup.
'Once again we are leading the way and I'm sure that our time in South Africa will be ideal for us as we prepare for The Lincoln Financial Group Rugby League World Cup.'
Welsh Captain Iestyn Harris said: 'I'm very excited about the World Cup and the trip to South Africa will give us the opportunity to prepare fully for our campaign'.
Welsh team officials Clive Griffiths and Mike Nicholas fly to South Africa for two-days on Friday. Top of their agenda will be the confirmation of the arrangements of the trip and inspection of training facilities and hotels.
ENDS
Contacts:
Welsh Coach, Clive Griffiths: 0976 299997.
Joe Lydon, Rugby Football League Performance Director 0113 232 9111, Joel @
rfl.uk.com
John Huxley, Rugby Football League Media Manager, 0113 232 9111,
johnh@rfl.uk.com