Mike Butt had no idea he could play for Wales

Swinton star Mike Butt didn’t realise he was eligible to play for Wales until he had a chat with Rhodri Lloyd.

Butt wasn’t aware that he could play for Wales until a recent chat with fellow Swinton team-mate and Wales international Lloyd.

After exchanging texts with Lloyd, Butt informed John Kear and the rest of the Wales coaching staff that he was eligible for selection.

“I was out in Mexico for a wedding and I was having a light-hearted chat with Rhodri Lloyd over text,” Butt explained.

“I was saying as a bit of a mess around how I was eligible because my gran was Welsh, but I didn’t actually realise that was the case and it qualified me to play!

“I was expecting to be heading back into pre-season at some point, but I’ve now found out I’m in the Wales squad.

“Everything’s panned out really quickly, but I now need to get my head down in training and work hard. I need to set down a marker so I can earn my place in the team.

“It’s going to be a big tournament as World Cup qualification is at stake. I can’t wait.”

Butt won Swinton’s Man of Steel and Try of the Season awards at the club’s end-of-season dinner.