Wales Rugby League squad at Deeside training camp ahead of the ‘Battle of the Celts’ clash in Wrexham on Friday

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Oct 13th, 2015

The Wales Rugby League squad have been put through their paces today at a Deeside training camp ahead of the “Battle of the Celts” European Championship clash against current champions Scotland in Wrexham on Friday night.

[x_pullquote cite=”Craig Kopczak, Wales Captain” type=”right”] 16025 “It’s been an enjoyable camp so far and long may it continue,”[/x_pullquote]Coach John Kear has announced former Bradford forward Craig Kopczak will captain Wales in the 2015 European Championship following the withdrawal from the squad of newly-appointed skipper and Widnes hooker Lloyd White who requires knee surgery.

The 28-year-old front-row forward who is join Salford next season captained Wales at the 2013 World Cup, and will take up the captaincy on Friday in Wrexham.

Immensely proud

“I’m immensely proud to be asked again,” Kopzcak said. “I captained Wales in the last World Cup so hopefully I can lead from the front with my experience and show some dominance.”

Wales have been based at Deeside Leisure Centre for their first full week of training ahead of Friday’s encounter at Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium and Kopzcak says that winning is the only thing on their minds.

“Our aim is to go out there and win the trophy. I think we’re in with a big chance of doing that. We’ve a lot stronger side this time around as has been mentioned by John previously. We’ve got the talent there so you never know what will happen.

Wales coach John Kear said:

“Craig has been in camp from minute one, he’s established himself as a leader and the example he has set in team meetings and on the field has been first class. He’s been captain before and we’re happy to go with him again.”