France Secures Victory Over England in Wheelchair Rugby League International

France’s wheelchair rugby league team secured a narrow 32-28 victory over England, with Nicolas Clausells being a pivotal player, contributing 28 points through four tries, five conversions, and a penalty. Playing with a modified line-up compared to their victory against Spain two days prior, England initially established a 12-point advantage in Saint-Lo, thanks to tries from Josh Butler and Seb Bechara. However, France quickly countered, scoring three consecutive tries. Clausells contributed two tries, followed by a try from teammate Jonathan Hivernat, which propelled the host nation to an 18-12 lead by half-time. Following the break, a penalty from Clausells extended France’s lead to 20-12. Although Josh Butler scored another try for England, Clausells then secured his third try of the match, pushing France further ahead to 26-18. Rob Hawkins then scored for England, narrowing the deficit to just two points, but Clausells responded by scoring his fourth try. Despite another try from Hawkins offering England renewed hope, France maintained their lead to clinch the win against an English side that had previously defeated them 66-33 in Wigan in October. The team line-ups were as follows: England: Tom Halliwell (capt), 2 Rob Hawkins, 3 Nathan Collins, 4 Josh Butler, 5 Rob Hawkins. Interchange: Jack Brown, Mason Billington, Sebastien Bechara. Unused player: Joe Coyd. Tries: Butler 2, Bechara, Hawkins 2. Goals: Collins 4. France: Gilles Clausells (capt), Florian Guttadoro, Jeremy Bourson, Damien Dore, Leo Hivernat. Interchange: Julian Pennella, Jonathan Hivernat, Nicolas Clausells. Unused player: Lionel Alazard. Tries: N Clausells 4, J Hivernat. Goals: N Clausells 6.