Rhodri Lloyd chuffed for Swinton following whirlwind year

Rhodri Lloyd said he was absolutely delighted to see Swinton secure their Championship status just a year after they were struggling with financial issues.

The Wales international scored two tries to help the Lions beat Workington Town 33-20 in the Championship promotion/relegation play-off at Heywood Road on Sunday.

Swinton were close to going bust less than 18 months ago – but Lloyd is delighted that the club have got over their financial difficulties and will once again compete in the Championship next season.

“I’m chuffed for the boys because it has been a long and gruelling season,” he told loverugbyleague.com.

“To see where the club was in August last year to now is incredible really. It was the last home game of the year, all the fans and players pulled together to try and get a squad this year to stay in the Championship and by all means, it wasn’t the right way we wanted to stay but we should be proud of it.

“It was a tough game and credit to Workington who are a champion team. They have great fans and there was a great atmosphere down at Heywood.

“I was chuffed to get over for a double and the boys in the middle worked hard for each other. Roll on the Championship next year and roll on a trip to Toronto!”

Wales will compete in the European Championship this autumn when they will Ireland, France and Scotland.

Caerphilly-born Lloyd, who has 15 caps for Wales, is looking forward to representing his country again.

“John Kear is a great bloke and he brings out a chilled vibe but also a professional vibe within the camp,” he added.

“I think everyone who plays for Wales always says it is the time of year they look forward to the most.

“There will be a tough few games. We’ve got France first and a lot of their players have come back off a Challenge Cup winning success so I think that will be a tough game but were reigning champions in the European Cup so it will be good to go there and not be the underdogs for once so I’m excited for it.”