Briers enjoys Wales return

Wales captain Lee Briers enjoyed getting back into international action on Sunday when Wales hammered Scotland 60-22 to go to the top of the Alitalia European Cup table.

Elliot Kear and Rhys Williams each grabbed a hat-trick of tries but Briers was the playmaker on his 19th Welsh appearance. He set up a number of tries and kicked eight conversions, moving above Jonathan Davies into third place in the all time Welsh points scoring table in the process.

And now, after a successful return to the international game after three years away, he can’t wait for Wales’ only home game in the tournament this Sunday when they take on Ireland at The Gnoll in Neath (kick-off 2pm).

“The win against Scotland was a good start for the team and it’s great to be back,” he said. “It’s a bit of a new set-up and I don’t know that many of the guys that I’m playing alongside, but to be around them and get that Welsh spirit back into me is fantastic and I’m relishing it.

“We know that it’s going to be tough against Ireland this Sunday but we’ve got that first win, we’ve got off a good start and we have the building blocks to put in a good performance at The Gnoll.”

Briers is urging fans to come along and support Wales in Neath on Sunday as the rewards for our nation are enormous.

“The Four Nations will be massive for Wales Rugby League if we can get there,” he said. “We want to play against the best and if we can win this tournament then we’ll be facing England, Australia and New Zealand next year.

“Hopefully the fans will turn out in large numbers on Sunday – I’m sure they will. We’re going down to Neath on the back of a good performance against Scotland which is pleasing.

“But Ireland are going to be a very tough team to play against, they’re going to want to bounce back from their defeat on Saturday and they’ll be after revenge for the boys beating them last year. Hopefully we’ll be switched on and ready to go.”

Advance tickets for Wales’ only home game in the tournament against Ireland at The Gnoll in Neath on Sunday 17th October (kick-off 2pm) priced £4 for juniors and £8 for adults can be bought by going to www.walesrugbyleague.co.uk. These prices will go up on the day to £5 and £10 respectively so please buy in advance, with no booking fee, to reap the savings.