England’s Community Lions’ selectors have named a 22-man squad for the ground-breaking tour of New Zealand.
The Community Lions will play three games on what is their very first tour of New Zealand These will be against a North Island Select XIII on Thursday 24 October, the New Zealand Maoris in Rotorua on Sunday 27 October and a New Zealand Residents XIII on Friday 1 November. Sky Sports hope to broadcast all three games live.
More than 80 players from 40 community clubs, including police, university and London regional clubs, took part in the Community Lion’s most comprehensive trials process yet. Kingston Press National Conference League (NCL) finalists Thatto Heath Crusaders and West Hull, whose NCL Final will be broadcast live on Our League at 3pm this Saturday, between them provide seven players.
Rugby Football League international manager, Alan Davidson, said:
“This is the first time the Community Lions have toured New Zealand and the players can’t wait to get there, test themselves against high quality opposition and enjoy the whole touring experience.
“Those selected have made it through the most comprehensive, nationwide selection process we’ve ever had and for many this will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m confident that they will give the best possible account of themselves and the grassroots game.”
The Community Lions’ tour is part of a northern hemisphere rugby league autumn exodus Down Under. England’s men’s and women’s sides will compete in the Downer World Nines in Sydney, the Wheelchair team embarks on a first Ashes tour of Australia, and England Women head for Papua New Guinea, where they’ll be joined by the Great Britain men’s squad who will themselves arrive via New Zealand.
Community Lions’ players will also attend two of the Great Britain Lions test matches, in addition to schools and community commitments.
Prior to travelling, squad members will be presented with their shirts by RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer at the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final which takes place at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium on Friday 11 October. They will also attend the Betfred Super League Grand Final on the following day.
The full squad is as follows.
Tony Burns (Kells), Karl Dixon (Wath Brow), Connor Dwyer (Thatto Heath), Gareth Gale (Featherstone Lions), Keiran Glen (Egremont Rangers), Danny Hirst (Underbank), Ben Heyes (Thatto Heath), Tom Horner (Egremont Rangers), David Kennedy (Orrell St James), Fran King (Wath Brow, Captain), Jack Lazenby (West Hull), Gareth Morgan (Saddleworth Rangers), Marcus O’Brien (Egremont Rangers), Gavin Rodden (Wigan St Judes), Danny Ryding (Wigan St Pats), Chris Siddons (Lock Lane, Vice-captain), Scott Spaven ( West Hull), Mike Stark (Thatto Heath), Curtis Teare (Wath Brow), Jamie Tracy (Thatto Heath), Freddie Walker (Siddal), Ryan Wilson (West Hull).
Head coach is Thatto Heath’s Richard Owen, who will be assisted by Richard Knight from Underbank.
