Davies excited about French revolution
Catalans Dragons winger Tom Davies will be doing his best to help England get a win over France on Saturday but knows a competitive Test match can only benefit both countries.
Since his move from Wigan two years ago, the 24-year-old Davies has been able to witness at first hand the French revolution as the Catalans built on last year’s Super League semi-final by winning the League Leaders’ Shield and reaching a maiden Grand Final in 2021.
With Toulouse securing promotion from the Championship, Super League will feature two French teams in 2022 and Davies says the knock-on effect is helping to deliver a boon for rugby league across the Channel.
“It’s gathering a lot of momentum at the minute, it’s really starting to take off there,” he said.
“Toulouse won the Championship and they’re coming up and we won the league this year so there’s a great buzz.
“Kids have got a new hero in Sam Tomkins and they are now going to get involved in the game so we’ll see the effect of that in 10 or 15 years’ time.
“It’s even happening in the French Elite, you look at clubs like Lezignan, Limoux and St Esteve who are starting to build and get good teams – obviously Jimmy Maloney is there next year and Jason Baitieri.
“If we can get the French Elite up to Super League or Championship standard, it’s only going to improve the game.”