Cologni wants ‘200 percent’ from France players

France coach Aurelien Cologni has appointed his staff for the forthcoming Test Match with England, and outlined his vision for the future of the French national side.

The French are readying themselves for a game against England in Avignon on October 22, and are hoping to provide a shock by beating the visitors.

Cologni confirmed to press in France today that a first train-on squad of 23 players will get together on October 5 and 6 in Perpignan.

Another training camp for the group will take place on October 17 to 19, again in Perpignan, before a 20-man squad travels to Avignon for the Test.

“Players want to come back for France,” said Cologni, who has actually been picked as a player in the Spain squad for the World Cup qualifiers with Russia and Ireland.

“I focus on what will happen tomorrow in the national team and not on the past. We want players to be 200% committed to the blue jersey.

“I was appointed by the Steering Committee. I offered a vision which involved a competent staff, we discussed then confirmed the names that were on the table.

“This staff has been provided. We have many capabilities in France and we have to use them.“

New national teams director Mathieu Khedimi wants to see all of French rugby league working together to take the game there to a new level.

“We have a long-term vision of the France team, and we can get there together,” he said.

“We will work with all of French Rugby League, in collaboration with Elite league coaches.”

France national team staff:

France national teams director: Mathieu Khedimi
Deputy director: Jacques Jorda
Assistant coach: Renaud Guigue
Assistants: Thierry Dumaine and Olivier Janzac
Conditioning coach: Loic Carpene