RFL chief hails Academy success

RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood has challenged the England Academy players who completed a famous Test series win against the Australian Schoolboys on Friday evening to repeat the experience at senior level.

England enjoyed their first series win against the cream of Australia‘s high school talent for six years by following up a 38-30 first Test victory with a 34-22 win at Leigh Sports Village to clinch  2-0 series triumph and emulate the achievements of the 2004 England Academy team which was captained by James Graham.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the England Academy for their success, it’s a terrific achievement of which they, their clubs and the whole country can be proud,” said Wood.

“To beat Australia at any level is a feat worth celebrating and the Academy’s success is very encouraging as the sport looks forward to the England and Wales Rugby League World Cup in 2013.

“The two Test victories over the Australian Schoolboys are testimony to the commitment of all the players involved in coach Dave Elliott’s squad. The RFL will continue to work closely with the clubs to ensure the momentum we have gained at Academy level is carried forward into the senior England  squad.

“The challenge for all the Academy players now is to keep the elation they felt at beating Australia fresh in their memories and work even harder at their clubs and with the England coaching staff between now and the World Cup to replicate that success in 2013.”

Pic Credit: SBS Photography